The Department of Media Explores Collaboration with the Journalists Syndicate to Promote Sustainable Development
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Mr. Azwer Mahdi Qasim Agha, Head of the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, met with Mr. Hakam Azad Mohammadamen, President of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. The meeting was aligned with the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Held at the syndicate’s headquarters in Erbil, the discussion focused on promoting shared objectives and strengthening the media’s role in advancing sustainable development and institutional integrity.
The main aim of the meeting was to enhance collaboration between the Media Department and the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate. Key goals included helping students develop strong media skills, gain practical knowledge of journalistic practices that align with international ethical standards, and prepare for smooth integration into the labor market after graduation. These initiatives aim to empower students to contribute to a peaceful and just society while supporting sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region.
During the meeting, both sides discussed several ideas and proposals, including:
- Developing Curricula: Updating academic programs to reflect the latest developments in the media industry, incorporating concepts of sustainable development, human rights, and freedom of expression.
- Organizing Workshops and Training Courses: Collaborating with the syndicate to offer training in investigative journalism, photojournalism, and digital media, with a focus on accuracy, objectivity in news reporting, and combating fake news.
- Providing Practical Training Opportunities for Students: Offering students hands-on experience with media organizations affiliated with the syndicate, helping them build essential skills and understand the realities of working in professional media environments.
- Holding Joint Seminars and Conferences: Organizing collaborative events to discuss current media issues, the challenges facing the media profession in the Kurdistan Region, and the role of media in achieving sustainable development goals.
- Supporting Student Media Initiatives: Encouraging students to create meaningful media content that addresses important social issues and promotes values such as tolerance and constructive dialogue.
Mr. Azwer Mahdi Qasim Agha emphasized the critical role of cooperation between academic and syndical institutions in advancing the media sector and enhancing journalists’ professional standards in the Kurdistan Region. He highlighted that Cihan University – Erbil is committed to graduating a skilled generation of media professionals who will serve their community and help shape a better future.
At the end of the visit, Mr. Hakam Azad Mohammadamen expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Media Department at Cihan University – Erbil and confirmed the syndicate’s readiness to provide all necessary support to achieve the goals of their collaboration.
