‘’In honor of HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to Baghdad, AUIB hosted His Majesty’s Ambassador to Iraq Mark Bryson Richardson MBE reception to celebrate and connect with Iraqi leaders furthering the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Iraq. Stakeholders from the Iraqi government, parliament, the international community, and civil society attended the reception.
AUIB President Dr. Michael Mulnix welcomed Her Royal Highness and the distinguished guests to the AUIB campus and briefed them on the University’s ambitious plans for development. AUIB was especially delighted to host Her Royal Highness for the special event promoting women’s rights and work towards stable and prosperous communities.
HM Ambassador introduced HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, highlighting Her Royal Highness’s work as “a champion for women’s rights, peace, and security”. The Ambassador underlined the British Government’s support for “grassroots women’s rights organizations all over Iraq, as they deliver support for women and their communities,” and expressed his interest in receiving suggestions on how to “strengthen our collaboration with government, parliament, civil society, and international partners” in that regard.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh said it had been her ambition to visit Iraq for some time and was delighted to be in Baghdad and visiting the AUIB’s campus. Her Royal Highness thanked the guests for their dedication to the promotion of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation across the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The Duchess then mingled with the guests, to hear from them first-hand about the challenges facing Iraqi women and girls, and the guest’s ongoing work to protect and promote their rights.’’