At the IBBC Autumn Conference in Basrah (3 December 2025), Education Day – Session 3: Higher education, Professor Mohammed Al-Uzri chaired a conversation with Mr Stephen North, Richard Sutherland, Dr Hussein Al Ali from Al-Rida Holding for Investment and Mr Marfa Al-Asady from Basra Gas Company, exploring how universities, employers and policymakers can reshape Iraq’s system to meet the needs of a rapidly growing youth population.

The discussion highlighted pivotal themes shaping Iraq’s transition toward a skills-based, innovation-driven economy, such as:

• A scaling talent engine: 6 million learners by 2031 gives Iraq a deep talent base—an opening for employers and universities to shape future-ready skills at scale.
• A national innovation lift-off: Science-park leaders trained across 37 public and ~80 private universities create a ready platform for research, startups and industry collaboration.
• A mindset shift to unlock: With 85% of graduates job-seeking and only ~15% entrepreneurial, stakeholders can drive a major expansion in founders and SME creation.
• A clear signal of ambition: 500 applicants for 10 places (BCG example) and 250+ students in intensive programmes show how strongly youth respond when real pathways are offered.
• A legal runway for innovation: The July 2024 law enabling university-based science parks opens space for investors, startups and universities to build new tech and industry hubs.

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The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) brings together business, trade, investment and education partners from the UK, Iraq and beyond to support a free, prosperous and diversified Iraq.

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