Cihan University-Erbil and KOICA Discuss Strategic Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Technology
In a significant move to strengthen scientific ties and foster collaboration in cutting-edge technological fields, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, received Mr. Junyoung Jong, the Resident Representative of the KOICA Erbil Office, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The meeting, attended by the University’s Vice Presidents and several heads of scientific departments, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and leveraging international expertise.
Cihan University-Erbil’s Leadership in AI and Global Rankings
During the meeting, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi provided an overview of the university’s history and academic standing, stating: “Cihan University-Erbil, established in 2007 as the first and largest private university in the Kurdistan Region, currently comprises 9 colleges and approximately 30 scientific departments. It consistently leads international rankings at both regional and national levels.” He further emphasized the university’s internationalization strategy, highlighting that Cihan University-Erbil was the first academic institution in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to integrate “Artificial Intelligence” as a core component of the curricula across all scientific departments, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year.
Korea’s $150 Billion Investment in AI
Mr. Junyoung Jong expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the timing is ideal for such collaboration as the South Korean government has announced a massive $150 billion investment in the AI sector. “At KOICA, we are actively seeking professional local and international partners for joint research and initiatives,” Mr. Jong remarked. He added, “Our perspective on AI is that its implementation does not necessarily require massive infrastructure; rather, it thrives on innovation and the strategic application of pre-trained models.”
Future Prospects: Knowledge Sharing and Training in South Korea
The discussion also touched upon the successful “Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST)” as a benchmark for international academic cooperation. The KOICA representative expressed the agency’s readiness to act as a bridge connecting Cihan University-Erbil with prestigious South Korean universities. Furthermore, he highlighted KOICA’s official G2G (Government-to-Government) programs, which annually offer specialized training opportunities in South Korea for 40 participants across various sectors, including IT, engineering, and health, for a duration of three years.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close communication and developing a comprehensive roadmap for joint projects aimed at advancing the scientific and technological landscape in the Kurdistan Region.
