Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, and under the supervision of the International Academy of Leadership and Development (IALD), and bearing the slogan “The Debater Leads the Future,” the Technological University hosted the final phase of the university debates organized by the Department of Studies and Planning at the Ministry, under the auspices of the National University of Science and Technology. The event was attended by the President of the Technological University, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Al-Ghaban; the Scientific Assistant, Prof. Dr. Khawla Salah Al-Khashan; the Administrative Assistant, Prof. Dr. Farhad Mohammed Othman; Prof. Dr. Ihab Naji Abbas, Director General of the Department of Studies and Planning; Dr. Moath Salem Abdul Rahman, Director of the International Academy of Leadership and Development; and a number of participating Iraqi debating universities, all gathered in the hall of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering.
The event began with a speech by the President of the Technological University in which he expressed his pride and honor in hosting this “Mondial” at the Technological University—a prestigious academic platform that offers young people the opportunity to showcase their intellectual skills and foster a culture of debate.
Al-Ghaban affirmed his belief that “conscious and enlightened dialogue is the key to the progress and prosperity of society, and the university is ready to support such initiatives, as they enhance students’ research and analytical abilities,” and he extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ihab Naji Abbas, Director General of the Department of Studies and Planning, conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, for the success of this forum. He described it as a living model of intellectual interaction among university youth, representing an outstanding opportunity to acquire skills and develop abilities that shape a student’s character by serving as a platform for challenge and creativity. He also emphasized that “the ministry, in all its branches, is continuously supporting academic activities that enhance the status of education on all levels.”
In a related context, the Director of the International Academy of Leadership and Development described the event as “not merely an ordinary competition among students, but a free space for exchanging ideas, discovering talents, and enhancing the spirit of cooperation and understanding among the nation’s youth. The academy is committed to establishing a new culture that elevates the value of the spoken word and appreciates diverse opinions, while building a generation capable of facing contemporary challenges with enlightened thought.” He further noted that “the activities of this Mondial took place with the participation of ninety-one universities from among fourteen governorates, including the capital Baghdad, over a period of thirty-one days.”
The event also featured the presentation of the academy shield to the President of the Technological University by the Director of the International Academy of Leadership and Development, as well as to the Director General of the Department of Studies and Planning. Additionally, visual presentations were shown, highlighting the activities of the International Academy of Leadership and Development both inside and outside Iraq, and illustrating its work in developing students’ skills and training them to manage dialogue in a civilized manner.
Following this, the debate commenced between the two teams qualified for the final stage: the team from Al-Mustansiriya University, composed of three debaters, and the team from Tikrit University, also composed of three debaters. The debate centered on the issue “Social media has distorted the Iraqi cultural identity in unprecedented ways,” during which both teams presented their viewpoints, relying on tangible, real-life arguments. Each debater was allocated a specific time by the judging panel according to set guidelines. After the debate concluded, Tikrit University secured first place, while Al-Mustansiriya University took second place.
Both teams were honored by the President of the Technological University, the Director General of the Department of Studies and Planning, and the Director of the International Academy of Leadership and Development. Additionally, many students were recognized and awarded for being the best debaters among all the participating teams from various Iraqi universities.
