PM Masrour Barzani opens British International University, lays foundation for progress in education, sustainability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Saturday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani officially opened the British International University in Erbil, marking a significant step in the advancement of higher education within the region.

Before the opening, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for the university's British International University Pond, emphasizing the institution's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

“This marks a significant milestone, as we welcome the educational expertise and methodologies of British universities into the Kurdistan Region. This step will have a profound impact on enhancing the standard of higher education in our region,” Prime Minister Barzani said during his speech.

He underscored the institution’s role in enhancing the region's academic landscape and fostering stronger ties in culture, science, and the economy.

“Simultaneously, it will foster an environment conducive to the development and expansion of cultural, scientific, and economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom,” he stressed.

A Strategic Investment in Kurdistan’s Youth

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the importance of investing in the youth of Kurdistan, noting that the region’s future prosperity lies in developing its human resources.

"Our country is blessed with abundant human resources, and we have a predominantly young population. We must invest in our youth and provide them with the education necessary to enable them to contribute more effectively to building a brighter future for our nation," he stated.

The Prime Minister further highlighted that institutions like the British International University play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future. “With each high-caliber university we establish, our hopes for a prosperous future grow stronger. I am confident that this university will play a crucial role in training highly skilled professionals. Its graduates will contribute significantly to the process of our country's development and progress.”

Boosting Scientific Research and International Cooperation

Prime Minister Barzani also stressed the significance of scientific research, emphasizing that it will provide clarity for the government’s future plans and policies.

He acknowledged the current gaps in research, data, and accurate information that have posed challenges for his administration since taking office in the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

“Since assuming the responsibility of leading this government, I have observed a shortage of research, data, and accurate information in several areas. Therefore, our universities must assist us in addressing this gap. They should form collaborative partnerships with leading foreign universities and research institutions to conduct joint research across diverse sectors such as agriculture, industry, economy, water management, environmental conservation, and climate change,” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani remarked.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Before the university’s official opening, Barzani laid the foundation stone for a pond on the university’s campus. The institution has also allocated a large area for greenery and has adopted renewable energy practices, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

“These measures are commendable, as they reflect the administration’s dedication to environmental protection and their commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change,” Barzani said, commending the university's administrators for their forward-thinking approach to addressing climate change.

The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by expressing his hopes that universities across the Kurdistan Region will play a proactive role in finding solutions to environmental challenges.

“I also encourage the students of this university, as well as those in other institutions, to take full advantage of the opportunities provided to them. By doing so, they can serve the Kurdistan Region and the nation more effectively, becoming shining examples for the future of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also delivered part of his speech in English, welcoming distinguished guests and expressing optimism that the British International University would strengthen ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom, contributing further to the development of education in the region.

The Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's speech at the British International University opening ceremony in Erbil.

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Here is the transcript of the Prime Minister's speech:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Distinguished Audience, 

Honored Guests, 

It is a pleasure to be here with you today at the opening ceremony of the British International University. This marks a significant milestone, as we welcome the educational expertise and methodologies of British universities into the Kurdistan Region. This step will have a profound impact on enhancing the standard of higher education in our region. Simultaneously, it will foster an environment conducive to the development and expansion of cultural, scientific, and economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom.

Our country is blessed with abundant human resources, and we have a predominantly young population. We must invest in our youth and provide them with the education necessary to enable them to contribute more effectively to building a brighter future for our nation. One of the key ways to achieve this is by offering them quality education, both scientifically and academically. With each high-caliber university we establish, our hopes for a prosperous future grow stronger.

I am confident that this university will play a crucial role in training highly skilled professionals. Its graduates will contribute significantly to the process of our country's development and progress.

This is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of scientific research. Research is critical to shaping our vision for future plans and programs. Since assuming the responsibility of leading this government, I have observed a shortage of research, data, and accurate information in several areas. Therefore, our universities must assist us in addressing this gap. They should form collaborative partnerships with leading foreign universities and research institutions to conduct joint research across diverse sectors such as agriculture, industry, economy, water management, environmental conservation, and climate change. British universities have a wealth of experience in these areas, and this university can serve as a vital bridge for promoting joint efforts.

Before arriving here, we laid the foundation stone for a pond within the university grounds, and a significant portion of the campus has been designated for green spaces and renewable energy initiatives. These measures are commendable, as they reflect the administration’s dedication to environmental protection and their commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

I urge all our universities and academic institutions to fulfill their role in addressing the environmental challenges we face. I also encourage the students of this university, as well as those in other institutions, to take full advantage of the opportunities provided to them. By doing so, they can serve the Kurdistan Region and the nation more effectively, becoming shining examples for the future of our society.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my full support for this university and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to its success. I extend my heartfelt congratulations once again and wish you continued progress and success.