Cihan University-Erbil Hosts 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering
Cihan University-Erbil, in collaboration with Putra University Malaysia, successfully hosted the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering. The prestigious event took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of academics, researchers, and industry experts.
Held under the patronage of Dr. Aram Mohammad Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the conference welcomed a large number of international, local, and Iraqi researchers. The opening ceremony featured insightful speeches, highlighting the latest advancements and research in the fields of architecture and civil engineering.
The conference was attended by the representative of the Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with esteemed university professors and specialists, underscoring the significance of academic collaboration and scientific progress in these vital disciplines.
During the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Prof. Dr. Amjad Sabir Al- Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of academic partnerships.
Welcoming the representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Kurdistan Region, the delegate from Putra University, university presidents, researchers, faculty members, students, and esteemed guests, Dr. Dalo underscored the university’s commitment to global academic collaboration.
“Cihan University-Erbil maintains an extensive network of scientific relations with local, Iraqi, regional, and internationally renowned institutions,” he stated. “Every year, we organize international and joint conferences across various disciplines. This year, in collaboration with Putra University Malaysia, we are proud to co-host this prestigious event focused on architecture and civil engineering.”
In his speech at the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Prof. AL-Delawi, President of Cihan University -Erbil, highlighted the significance of the event’s core themes and the collaborative efforts behind it.
“The importance of this conference lies in its focus on the latest advancements and innovations in civil engineering and architecture,” he stated. “Equally significant is the strategic partnership between Cihan University- Erbil and Putra University Malaysia, which brings together the expertise, resources, and faculty of both institutions. This collaboration paves the way for cutting-edge research that addresses the evolving demands of the industry.”
Continuing his address at the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Prof. Dr. Amjad Sabir Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University- Erbil, shared key insights into the conference’s academic contributions and global participation.
“I would like to present some data and information about this conference,” he stated. “During the formation of the scientific committee, a total of 65 research papers were submitted by researchers, experts, and university faculty. Of these, 10 studies were not accepted, while 55 were approved. Notably, 11 of the selected papers came from international universities, including those in Britain, Australia, Iran, and Malaysia, while 43 were contributed by researchers from universities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.”
Dr. Al-Delawi also emphasized the high-profile participation of leading experts, noting that the conference will feature three international keynote speakers from Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside two local specialists. Their expertise spans architecture, civil engineering, geotechnology, transportation, and infrastructure development, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of key industry topics.
addressing the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Prof. Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, underscored the university’s dedication to societal development and academic excellence.
“The organization and management of this conference by Cihan University-Erbil reaffirm our commitment to social responsibility,” he stated. “Our goal is to provide a scientific perspective that addresses the social, administrative, and engineering needs of regional governments. Through high-quality research, we strive to build a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise that benefits both academia and society.”
Dr. Al- Delawi emphasized that since its inception, Cihan University-Erbil has been devoted to discovering, preserving, and disseminating knowledge. He reiterated the institution’s mission to educate future generations, foster a culture of scientific research, and contribute to the advancement of various disciplines at both local and international levels.
In the closing segment of his speech at the Conference, Prof. Dr. Amjad Sabir Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University- Erbil, highlighted the remarkable academic standing of the institution. He referenced the prestigious British Times Higher Education Rankings for Specializations (Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025), where hundreds of universities from 92 countries participated.
“In these rankings, among more than 150 public and private universities in Iraq, only 12 have been recognized,” he noted. “Notably, Cihan University – Erbil has secured the top spot in the Kurdistan Region and is ranked second in Iraq, following Baghdad University.”
In the latest edition of the Clarivate InCite International Research Impact Analysis Ranking (2020-2024)—published on January 31, 2025—Cihan University -Erbil has once again solidified its position as a leading academic institution.
According to the ranking, Cihan University -Erbil secured the top spot among all private universities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Additionally, it ranked third overall among both public and private universities in the Kurdistan Region.
The report also highlighted the university’s strong research output, with 1,076 publications indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) during this period. Moreover, these publications amassed 22,249 citations, reinforcing the university’s impact on global research and its commitment to academic excellence.
Prof. Dr. Amjad Sabir Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University – Erbil, reaffirmed the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and research innovation.
“This remarkable achievement reflects our strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards in education and scientific research,” he stated. “At Cihan University – Erbil, we continuously emphasize the importance of research and knowledge exchange. Through various initiatives and strategic programs, we actively support and strengthen scientific research, ensuring that our institution remains at the forefront of academic advancement.”
Dr. Dalo highlighted that this milestone further cements Cihan University -Erbil’s reputation as a leading academic center in the region and beyond. He also emphasized the university’s role in elevating the status of private education in the Kurdistan Region, positioning it as a hub for intellectual and scientific progress.
As part of the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Prof. Dr. Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Putra Malaysia, delivered a speech on behalf of his institution.
He emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “This joint event, organized by Cihan University-Erbil in partnership with Putra University Malaysia, serves as an essential platform for scientists and researchers to exchange ideas, particularly on critical topics such as architecture and civil engineering.” Prof. Dr. Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof also acknowledged the efforts of the scientific and preparatory committees, commending their dedication in ensuring the success of the event. He extended special gratitude to Prof. Dr. Amjad Sabir Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, and the university’s faculty and staff for their outstanding work in organizing and managing the conference.
During the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities, delivered a key speech highlighting the significance of the conference and its focus on architecture and civilization.
After warmly welcoming both local and international guests, Dr. Bajger spoke about the critical role that civil engineering and the integration of artificial intelligence play in shaping the future of the field. He emphasized that leveraging AI can lead to groundbreaking achievements in engineering, improving not only the discipline itself but also the broader organization of societal affairs.
“Artificial intelligence holds tremendous value in organizing and enhancing life today across various sectors,” Dr. Nowzad noted. He urged universities and researchers to steer their efforts towards AI-focused research, exploring its potential to optimize various aspects of life, refine societal perspectives, and develop mechanisms for utilizing AI effectively to address challenges in civil engineering and beyond.
Later, Dr. Sabah Ibrahim Wais, Advisor to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Aram Mohammad Qadir, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
At the outset of his address, Dr. Wais conveyed Minister Qadir’s heartfelt satisfaction with the successful organization of the conference. He expressed the minister’s pride in the partnership between Cihan University-Erbil, Putra University Malaysia, and their collaborative efforts in advancing academic and scientific endeavors in the fields of architecture and civil engineering.
“The partnership between these two esteemed universities and their scientific collaboration represents a significant milestone,” Dr. Sabah remarked. He extended his gratitude to both universities for their ongoing cooperation and the valuable scientific partnership they have fostered.
In his speech, Dr. Sabah Ibrahim Wais, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, praised the Cihan University – Erbil for its significant role in shaping higher education in Iraq.
He stated, “Cihan University – Erbil has emerged as one of the leading academic institutions in Iraq, a distinction achieved through its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, fostering scientific research, and promoting innovation and development across educational programs, particularly in engineering.”
Dr. Sabah emphasized that the university’s success was not accidental but rather the result of its dedication to preparing future generations with the knowledge and skills needed in engineering sciences. He continued, “Since its inception, the university has been entrusted with the responsibility of shaping a generation that is well-versed in contemporary scientific knowledge and engineering practices. This is essential for the construction and development of the infrastructure of our society and for advancing the field of construction.” He also highlighted the vital role of architects and civil engineers in driving change and development. He remarked, “Architects and civil engineers are not only implementers of projects but also thinkers, planners, and strategists. They play a critical role in shaping the future vision of our societies.”
Dr. Sabah further emphasized the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting its transformative impact on infrastructure development and the quality of life. He stated, “AI technology has become a major force in the advancement of infrastructure, and its potential to improve the quality of life is undeniable.”
He expressed confidence that AI would be a key topic of discussion at the conference, particularly in relation to scientific research that addresses its integration and potential benefits in the engineering and construction fields.
In another segment of his speech, Dr. Sabah Ibrahim Wais, shared the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and reconstruction efforts in various sectors.
He stated, “At the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Regional Government, we are constantly striving to achieve sustainable development and the process of reconstruction across diverse fields. We fully recognize the critical role that architecture and civil engineering play in shaping the future of our country.”
Dr. Sabah emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to foster collaboration between academic institutions, scientific research canters, and both the public and private sectors. He explained that these partnerships are essential to developing modern engineering projects that not only address the evolving needs of society but also contribute to the enhancement of infrastructure and economic development in the region.
In the latter part of his speech, Dr. Sabah Ibrahim Wais emphasized the importance of focusing on several key areas for future advancement in engineering and scientific research.
He outlined two critical factors that universities and researchers should prioritize:
- Strengthening scientific research and making greater use of modern technologies in the field of architecture and civil engineering by supporting innovations، establishing specialized research centres and encouraging cooperation with international universities.
- Investing in sustainable development infrastructure، taking into account and implementing standards related to green and environmentally friendly building aspects، it is important to use environmentally friendly materials، equipment، tools and technologies.
- Developing human capabilities by updating educational programs، providing advanced training programs for engineers، and encouraging young people to innovate and create new ideas in this field.
- Strengthening joint work and increasing the level of partnership between the public and private sectors to provide financial resources and implement major projects that contribute to the reconstruction of cities and improve the quality of basic services.
- Smart urban planning relies on big data and modern technology to improve city governance and achieve sustainable development goals.
In conclusion, Dr. Sabah reiterated that the conference would serve as a vital scientific platform to discuss the latest advancements in architecture and civil engineering. He also emphasized its importance as a space to exchange ideas, share expertise, and foster new innovations in the field.
The opening ceremony of the 5th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering kicked off with a short video showcasing the accomplishments and vision of Cihan University-Erbil. Following this, the official work program of the conference began.
Over the course of two days, the conference will feature the presentation of 54 research papers across 8 separate tracks. These papers cover a wide range of topics, reflecting the latest developments and innovations in architecture, civil engineering, environmental studies, water resources, roads, and more.
Additionally, five distinguished keynote speakers will take the stage to moderate discussions on how to meet the community’s needs and strengthen the foundations of construction and reconstruction in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
