The upcoming IBBC Education Conference will focus on Iraq’s higher education strategy, particularly in skills development and training. As Iraq’s economy diversifies and modernizes, education is becoming a crucial topic to support the country’s growing ambitions and harness the potential of its young population.
With Iraq’s population rapidly increasing, there is a pressing need to create jobs, and skills training is essential to address this challenge. According to Mselect recruiters, key sectors such as information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, power, management, and project management are facing significant skill shortages.
The country’s university sector is also aware of the skills gap, and the IBBC Education Sector Group, which includes UK and Iraqi universities, is putting a focus on skills and training for business. This will be a central topic at the IBBC Dubai Education Conference.
The conference will feature prominent speakers, including Professor Hamid Khalaf Ahmed, Iraq’s Higher Education Minister, and Dr. Hayder Abed Dhahad, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research. They will be joined by Dr. Hazim Al-Zubaidi, who is also from the Ministry of Higher Education, and the trio has been working closely with IBBC to modernize Iraq’s education and training curriculum.
The speakers will discuss Iraq’s educational strategy, updates on private schooling legislation, scholarships, and developments in vocational training. They will be joined by university leaders such as Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal of Dundee University, and heads of private schools like SABIS. Also participating will be the KRG Ministry of Education, business figures from the Wood Group and Sardar Group, and vocational training experts from City and Guilds.
Vocational training will be a key focus, with both Wood and Sardar Group committing to long-term training initiatives. Wood will announce the launch of a new academy in Basra, while Sardar Group continues to emphasize the importance of training for both their business operations and the surrounding communities. Both companies align with the goals of the IBBC education sector and the conference itself.
The Education Conference will take place a day before the main IBBC Business Conference at the Taj Hotel in Dubai. As in previous years, the event is expected to attract a large turnout from IBBC business members. GEMS, a key sponsor, will emphasize the importance of qualifications, working closely with City and Guilds and the Red Crescent.
