The Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) organized an online session on the 12th of December, in collaboration with Cihan University – Duhok. The event, titled “TRENDS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION: A PATH FORWARD WITH CLICKS” drew more than 500 participation, including university leaders, deans, heads of departments, and ministry of higher education and scientific research representatives.

The primary objective of the session was dual-fold: firstly, to address critical global trends impacting higher education, such as technological advancements like AI, learning analytics, robotics, and blockchain among others, alongside broader issues like globalization, internationalization, and the focus on skill-based curriculum and pedagogy. The second aim was to shed the light on CLICKS’ comprehensive approach to working closely with the sector in addressing the numerous emerging trends impacting higher education.

Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou, CEO and Founder of CLICKS, was the main speaker for the event. In her engaging discourse, she delved into the implications of these trends on the sector, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative efforts between governments and universities and the wider community to formulate clear strategies and visions for the future to ensure the sector remains agile and responsive to the rapid dynamic world we live in. Dr. Hadj-Hamou highlighted crucial imperatives that should be considered at various levels to effectively address the challenges posed by these evolving trends.

The latter part of Dr. Hadj-Hamou’s intervention provided a deeper understanding of CLICKS’ activities. The floor was opened for participants to share insights and pose questions, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.

The session was honored by the presence of esteemed guests, including HE Prof. Dr. Hayder Abed Dhahad, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and HE Dr. Mohammed Hussein Ahmed, Director-General – Head of Apparatus of Supervision and Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kurdistan of Iraq. Both special guests addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of the topic and expressing a willingness to further discussions and collaboration.

Dr. Hadj-Hamou expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of collaboration with universities in Iraq, stating, “We are excited at the prospect of collaborating with universities in Iraq, and hope that this session will be the start of an ongoing dialogue with the ministry and universities to grasp a better understanding of the particularities and needs of higher education in Iraq .”

The Center extends its gratitude to Cihan University- Duhok and specifically acknowledges Dr. Nawar Al-Saadi, Head of Consulting & Research Center at Cihan University – Duhok, for their invaluable support in organizing the event and reaching out to the higher education sector.

The success of the session reflects a collective commitment to advancing higher education in the face of evolving global trends.