With an aim to “promote the scientific and professional development of women in the judiciary and enhance their participation in academic and research forums, and in belief of the pivotal role of institutional partnerships in achieving sustainable development in the judicial and academic sectors,” the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) and the Association of Iraqi Women Judges signed a Memorandum of Cooperation that lays the framework for bilateral collaboration in teaching, research, and training, as well as cultural initiatives, in fields such as human rights, social justice, and the rule of law. As per the signed document, these objectives are to be achieved by various means, including by the joint organization of scientific conferences, seminars, specialized workshops, and various scientific and cultural symposia.
AUIB campus hosted the signing ceremony, where AUIB President, Dr. Bradley Cook, welcomed the Association of Iraqi Women Judges delegation, headed by Chairperson Judge Taghreed Abdul-Majeed Nasser, joined by Head of the Judicial Supervision Authority, Judge Laith Jabr Hamza.
President Cook addressed the distinguished guests, saying: “Your presence marks a historic moment for our university. This is more than a signing of a memorandum of cooperation; it is (the establishing of a partnership) for the future, where education and justice go hand in hand.” He touched on the two parties’ cooperation in research and teaching, where the University will support its partner institution in research in select topics in the legal and judicial fields, while the Association will support AUIB’s law program in teaching and research, especially in addressing real issues in the judicial work environment. Remarkably, President Cook also announced a 75% scholarship to the children of Association members, considering it “a direct investment in the next generation of leaders,” in addition to granting Association members full access to AUIB Libraries and other academic resources.
Judge Taghreed Abdul-Majeed Nasser saw in the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation “the beginning of an enduring strategic partnership” and a first step for the Association towards forging more partnerships with reputable academic institutions, both inside Iraq and abroad. She regarded the presence of the Head of the Judicial Supervision Authority as “added value” and a manifestation of the Iraqi judiciary’s support of efforts at internal development and modernization, saying: “This agreement is the proclamation of a common will to open up new horizons” of collaboration in service to the judiciary and society, thus contributing to the building of a network of partnerships “that put justice in service to development.”