"Universities like BIU are making a major contribution to the future of young people", says Prof. Wendy Thomson CBE

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a landmark event for higher education in the Kurdistan Region, the British International University (BIU) in Erbil celebrated its grand opening with an inaugural address by Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of London.

The ceremony highlighted the university's role in transforming the educational landscape of the region.

Professor Thomson extended her thanks to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), with a special mention to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for his unwavering support in realizing this ambitious project.

"I'm confident that in partnership with the British International University, we will provide high-quality educational opportunities for students that will equip them to make a positive impact in today's world," Professor Wendy Thomson CBE.

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"Universities like BIU are making a major contribution to the future of young people in this region, and the University of London is very proud to be involved," she said.

In her speech, Professor Thomson underscored the University of London's long-standing commitment to widening access to education and promoting research. With over 40,000 students in 190 countries currently enrolled in its programs, the University of London is a leader in global distance and online learning, collaborating with 17 world-class institutions, including University College London, the London School of Economics, and Queen Mary University of London.

Through this partnership with BIU, students in Erbil can benefit from face-to-face learning while studying University of London courses, without having to leave the region. "By working with our trusted global network of universities like BIU, students can also benefit from face-to-face learning support without needing to come to London. They can study in their home and contribute there as a result," Professor Thomson emphasized.

She also praised the leadership of Dr. Amir Sadati and Dr. Koto Aziz for their instrumental roles in the successful establishment of BIU, and thanked the British Embassy and consulates in Baghdad and Erbil for their continued support.

The University of London's programs are designed with the latest research in distance education, using cutting-edge technologies to ensure academic success. "Students have access to unparalleled resources, including the world-class online library and career support," she noted, expressing confidence that the partnership with BIU will offer high-quality education that empowers students to positively impact their communities.

Professor Thomson also celebrated the success of the University of London's International Foundation Program, which has opened doors for students to pursue undergraduate programs locally. She highlighted that graduates from BIU will become part of a global network of over 500,000 University of London alumni, including politicians, industry leaders, and Nobel laureates.

In closing, Professor Thomson expressed her pride in witnessing the rapid completion of BIU's facilities and the promising future that lies ahead for students. "It's an honour to be here today and see the huge contribution that the young people will make from studying here. It’s truly amazing," she said.

The opening of the British International University in Erbil is set to enhance educational opportunities for students in the region, connecting them with world-class resources and networks while allowing them to stay rooted in their home communities.

Full transcript of Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of London, speech:

Thank you. It's a great honor to be attending the opening ceremony of the British International University here in Erbil, and I'd like to particularly acknowledge and thank His Excellency Prime Minister Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and thank you for your continued support of the project. Universities like the BIU are making a major contribution to the future of young people in this region, and the University of London is very proud to be involved. And a very personal thanks to colleagues at the British University International University for their warmth and hospitality, and to the British Embassy and consulates in Baghdad and Erbil, respectively, for their continued support. Thanks to everyone at GEMS, and a particular thanks to doctor Amir Sadati and doctor Koto Aziz for their leadership, guidance, and management of the project.

The university's purpose, the University of London's purpose for many years, is to increase access to education, champion research, and deliver social benefit in the process. While our home, as you've seen from the videos, they are firmly based in London, our reach is global. We are the UK's largest provider of international online and distance education, which we deliver in partnership with 17 world class universities including University College London, Queen Mary, University of London, Royal Holloway, London School of Economics, Goldsmiths, and many more. More than 40,000 students at this moment in over 190 countries around the world are studying University of London programs.

And by working with our trusted global university, a global network of universities like BIU, students can also benefit from face to face learning support without needing to come to London. They can study in their home and contribute there as a result. The university's programs are designed using the very latest research in online and distant learning techniques and cutting edge technologies to support academic outcomes. Students have access to unparalleled resources, including the world class online library and career support. I'm confident that in partnership with the British International University, we will provide high quality educational opportunities for students that will equip them to make a positive impact in today's world.

And following the success of our international foundation program, we are delighted that students can now continue to harness the opportunities a University of London education provides by accessing undergraduate programs. And we're now growing the variety of programs offered. When students graduate from here, they will join our global network of influential alumni. Over 500,000 strong community have studied with us over the years. And as you've seen from the video, it includes politicians, leaders in industry, and Nobel Prize winners.

It's an honour to be here today and see the huge contribution that the young people will make from studying here and the huge achievement of getting this building done in such a short time. It's truly amazing. So on behalf of the University of London, thank you again to everyone who has been involved in making this happen. It's a privilege to be associated with it. Thank you.