First Scientific Zakat Foundation Conference Held at Cihan University-Erbil
In an Unprecedented contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and community service, the first conference of the Scientific Zakat Foundation was held at Cihan University-Erbil, on Monday, May 5, 2025, with the attendance of Abdullah Mahmoud Muhammad, Minister of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities and Institutes, along with presidents of several universities, scientific and academic institutions, and government and academic officials.
“While we were all previously familiar with financial zakat, this foundation aims to serve society in all fields.”
The conference began with a moment of respect for the pure souls of martyrs, followed by a welcome speech by Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil. During his address, the President spoke about the development of the Scientific Zakat Foundation concept, saying: “The idea of establishing this foundation dates back to a year and a half ago, proposed by my respected brother Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities.” He added that the idea was warmly welcomed from the beginning and later enriched through the efforts of all parties involved, establishing a solid infrastructure. “For example, in Cihan institutions, we have more than 600 scientific staff members, which is a crucial resource for properly managing this foundation’s operations,” he noted. “While we were all previously familiar with financial zakat, this foundation aims to serve society in all fields.” The President of Cihan University-Erbil emphasized the necessity of establishing this foundation to serve society through volunteer work in various fields. Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delo also highlighted how Cihan University-Erbil staff have previously worked through various channels to share knowledge and serve society, stating: “Through the establishment and announcement of this institution, we will conduct our work in a more organized manner.”
In another segment of the conference, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities and Institutes, expressed his happiness about the foundation’s launch in a speech and hoped it would become an important beginning and foundation for establishing similar institutions in Kurdistan, Iraq, and globally. In another part of his address, after introducing and defining the foundation, the Chairman discussed its vision, objectives, and activities in various fields. He emphasized that from today, the educational, academic, and scientific institutions affiliated with the Cihan Group will begin their work, registering as volunteers to serve different sectors of society. Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger also invited all other universities and institutions to unite under this foundation and serve society through knowledge, education, and various activities. As he pointed out, a university’s duty is not only to educate students but also to help different classes and segments of society develop their capabilities, find different jobs and professions, and support those who need assistance, support, and backing.
During the Scientific Zakat Foundation announcement ceremony, Dr. Bashir Haddad, former Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, after congratulating Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger and the Cihan University staff, emphasized the importance of this foundation for serving society. He stated that just as giving financial zakat is a religious duty, sharing knowledge in the scientific field is equally a religious obligation, citing several holy verses and hadiths as evidence. At the end of his speech, he wished success for the foundation’s work and objectives.
In the final part of the ceremony, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities and Institutes, presented the Cihan Foundation shield to the university presidents, managers of institute, deans, and school principals affiliated with the Cihan Group. The ceremony concluded with a press conference where Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi and Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger answered questions from reporters and media representatives.
