The American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defense University for Military Studies, laying the framework for academic cooperation between the two parties, with an aim to elevate the competence of faculty and develop their expertise, and also to collaborate on research projects and developing curricula.
The MoU provides for the exchange of lecturers in a number of specialized fields, and for collaboration “to develop academic curricula and course content in line with scientific and technological advancements and modern teaching methodologies.” The document also outlines cooperation on “organizing joint conferences, scientific seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and lectures on topics of mutual interest, particularly in political, legal, economic, strategic, and national security fields,” as well as on publishing joint research. The two parties also agreed, as per the signed document, on facilitating the participation of Defense University staff and students in a variety of continuing education programs organized by AUIB’s Continuing Education Institute.
“Today’s event is especially exciting for us, as it represents a new direction for AUIB’s outreach in higher education, in support of both the Iraqi military and the NATO Mission to Iraq,” said AUIB President, Dr. Michael Mulnix, at the signing ceremony, after welcoming the Defense University delegation, headed by Staff Air Chief Marshal Dr. Aqeel Mustafa Mahdi. President Mulnix saw that the budding partnership between AUIB and the Defense University “highlights the highly positive role that institutions of higher education play in supporting military personnel as they advance their careers… It is said that we train for the jobs of today, but we educate for the jobs of tomorrow,” continued President Mulnix, affirming that “AUIB does both, training and educating.”
“We’re very happy to be here (at AUIB campus), and we thank the leadership of this institution, and also thank the NATO Mission to Iraq for its concern and support (which culminated in) the signing of this MoU,” said the President of the Defense University, who saw a need for “opening up to all countries of the world because we need science, which is evolving continuously.” He added: “The regional and international environment we live in is complex, and understanding it requires military-civilian engagement and collaboration, especially in topics such as technological advancement and cyber wars… I think that opening up to serious universities, such as AUIB, and collaborating with such institutions gives us an opportunity that should be capitalized upon.”