From 12–15 January 2026, the University of Zakho participated in the RISE Training Week in Rome, Italy, organised within the framework of Work Package 3 (WP3) of the Erasmus+ RISE Project and hosted by the International University of Rome (UNINT). This capacity-building activity followed an earlier training session held in Murcia, Spain, and brought together 35 representatives from partner institutions, including seven universities from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

 

The training programme focused on strengthening institutional capacity in higher education, with particular emphasis on employability, academic mobility, student support services, and effective governance and administrative structures. Key discussions addressed strategic planning for internationalisation, fair recognition of academic qualifications, and good practices in the management of Erasmus+ KA171 International Credit Mobility projects, alongside approaches to embedding international and global perspectives across teaching, research, and community engagement.

 

Throughout the training week, the University of Zakho actively contributed to expert-led sessions, peer-learning activities, and collaborative working groups, facilitating the exchange of experience and reinforcing cooperation among partner institutions. The agenda also included contributions on Internationalisation at Home and the role of higher education in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as thematic seminars on Erasmus+ opportunities and capacity-building initiatives. A dedicated roundtable discussion with Italian universities provided valuable insights into institutional practices and shared experiences.

 

On the final day, partner universities from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq presented a Synergic Roadmap aimed at enhancing employability and global engagement, highlighting the role of students as active participants through mobility and international learning opportunities. The training concluded with focused working sessions dedicated to identifying concrete actions for the implementation of the roadmap.

 

The University of Zakho reaffirms its commitment to building on the outcomes of the RISE Project to support sustainable institutional development, strengthen international partnerships, and expand opportunities for its academic community and students.