UNESCO welcomes revitalisation of higher education in Iraq (09/03/05)

The director general of UNESCO Mr Koichiro Matsuura has praised the work carried out by participants at the recent roundtable on the Revitalisation of Higher Education in Iraq, saying that it has enabled UNESCO and its partners to take stock of the situation of and plan further assistance for the nation’s higher education and research institutions.

“The meeting provided us with valuable information and gave us an opportunity to appreciate the determination of Iraq’s academics and Ministry of Education to bring higher education back to its former level of excellence,” Mr Matsuura said.

Iraq is determined to bringing higher education back to former levels

“I am confident,” the director general added, “that UNESCO chairs in universities around the world, our educational networks and our many international partners will contribute to the rapid return of Iraq to the fold of the global community of higher learning and research, which is essential for peace and prosperity in the country.”

The director general also said that UNESCO would continue assisting Iraq in obtaining scientific and medical equipment and books, developing and modernising its university curricula, infrastructures and services.

Mr Matsuura further welcomed the commitment voiced by Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mosa Al Mosawy “to ensure quality higher education marked by gender parity, the separation of state and religion, mindful of the values of democracy and human rights.”

Three donations to help revitalise higher education in Iraq were announced during the roundtable: Her Highness The First Lady of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Misand, who is a Special UNESCO Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, pledged $1 million dollars donation from QNB in addition to the $15 million she provided to the International Fund for Higher Education in Iraq in 2003; the Republic of Korea pledged $200,000 while Doha Bank pledged $30,000.

“These donations are warmly appreciated and will be used for the implementation of concrete projects for the benefit of students, academics and researchers,” the director general said, inviting member states, multilateral and private sector donors to continue providing funds to Iraqi higher education.

Source: Strategiy