Koya | University Media

A Pioneer Initiative Toward a Green and Smart Campus

As part of its leading initiatives toward realizing a green campus and executing a comprehensive digital transformation, Koya University hosted a scientific meeting titled "From Strategy to Implementation: Green and Digital Institutional Transition," held under the framework of the project "Green and Digital Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Enhancing Employability in Iraq" (TVET III).

High-Level International, Federal, and Regional Attendance

On Friday, October 23, 2026, the meeting was convened in the Workshop Hall at the Faculty of Engineering, Koya University. The event took place in partnership with UNESCO and with financial support from the European Union (EU). Attendees included Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana, President of Koya University; Prof. Dr. Hamid Khalaf Ahmed, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq for Education Development and Head of the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq; Prof. Dr. Mohammed Hussein, Head of the Quality Assurance and Supervision Agency at the KRG Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; a high-level UNESCO delegation; presidents and representatives of technical and polytechnic universities from across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region; and members of the Koya University Council.

Opening Speeches and Strategic Plan Commitments

The event commenced with a moment of silence honoring the fallen martyrs, followed by the national anthems of Iraq and Kurdistan (Ey Reqîb). Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana delivered a welcoming address, emphasizing that Koya University, guided by its Strategic Plan (2023–2027), has made significant strides toward establishing itself as a green and smart university. Following his address, speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Hamid Khalaf Ahmed, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Hussein, Head of the Quality Assurance and Supervision Agency at the KRG Ministry of Higher Education.

Environmental Pillar: Transforming the Campus into a Sustainable Model

During the second session, Prof. Dr. Mohammed H.S. Zangana presented a comprehensive paper entitled "Green University Strategy, Sustainability Governance, and Waste, Water, Energy Management, and Campus Greening Projects," showcasing Koya University’s practical achievements. Later, Asst. Prof. Dr. Botan Majeed, Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education at Erbil Polytechnic University (EPU), delivered a presentation addressing the overarching principles of institutional sustainability.

Digital Infrastructure and Smart Campus: Strategic Partnership with Huawei

The third session focused on "Digital Transition and Smart Campus." Asst. Prof. Dr. Ezhin Tahir Saber, Vice President of Koya University for Student Affairs, alongside Mr. Alan Nahro, Director of Quality Assurance at Koya University, outlined the institution's digital infrastructure, Learning Management System (LMS), electronic identity cards (e-ID), smart campus developments, and the strategic collaboration with Huawei. Huawei representatives also delivered a dedicated presentation detailing their joint efforts with Koya University under the "Digitization" pillar of the university's 2023–2027 Strategic Plan to modernize campus systems. The session concluded with an overview of the contributions and milestones of the Iraqi Civil Society Education Forum (ICSEF).

Field Tour of Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Campus Projects

The second segment of the program featured an extensive field tour across key model facilities on campus. The delegation visited the Foundation Stone Park, the rainwater harvesting pond and water management installation, operational solar and wind turbine setups, and the centralized paper and plastic separation system inside the University Presidency building. Furthermore, they inspected two prominent student-led initiatives: the "Plant a Your Tree and Grow with Koya University" campaign and the student entrepreneurship project "My First Business."

Policy Roundtable and Recognition Ceremony

The program concluded with an executive roundtable discussion between technical university presidents and ministry officials titled "From Koya’s Experience Toward Implementation: Institutional and Policy Prerequisites and Collaborative Opportunities," establishing a roadmap for future institutional cooperation. The meeting wrapped up with an award presentation honoring former members of the project supervisory committee and Koya University representatives, followed by commemorative group photographs.