Tishk International University (TIU), through its Department of Business and Management, proudly participated in the First Annual Conference of the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism of Erbil. Held over two days, the event was organized under the theme: “For the Sake of Sustainable Development of Erbil,” reflecting a strong partnership between academia and government.

A Convergence of Leaders and Experts

The conference brought together a distinguished group of attendees, including His Excellency Sasan Auni, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism, and Dr. Omid Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil. The event also saw the attendance of representatives from various NGOs, ministries, and governmental institutions, as well as university faculty members, engineers, and environmental experts. The conference provided a platform for crucial dialogue on a number of pressing municipal topics, including:

  • Road development and traffic organization
  • Kurdish architectural patterns and decorations
  • Renewable energy and air pollution
  • Expansion of green spaces
  • Waste and dust management
  • Bureaucratic reform and administrative efficiency
  • Fire prevention and safety strategies
  • Sewerage system development and sustainability

TIU’s Contribution to Sustainable Development

Mr. Fayeq Ali Ali, Head of the Business and Management Department, and his team, Mr. Kadhim Saeed and Mr. Nyaz Abdullah, made a significant contribution to the conference. They presented a scientific and practical research project aimed at improving municipal services, streamlining bureaucratic procedures, and advancing environmental protection efforts in Erbil.

The research project concluded that digitalization is the key to better execution of municipal services. It also emphasized the need for a leadership model that is agile and transformative, one that leverages social psychology dynamics to unify the people and the municipality. By focusing on leading without control and inspiring without manipulation, the research suggests that a purpose-driven community can create a sense of deep shared ownership and pave the way for a developed Kurdistan Region for today and in the future.

This academic contribution highlights the university’s dedication to linking research with real-world governmental challenges, aligning with its mission to serve the community and support national development goals.

Acknowledgements

This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the university’s team. We extend our special thanks and appreciation to:

  • Mr. Fayeq Ali – Head of the Business and Management Department
  • Mr. Kadhim Saeed – Assistant Lecturer
  • Mr. Nyaz Abdulla – Research Assistant
  • Dr. Abdullah Nabeel – Lecturer

We would also like to specially thank Mr. Karwan Sherwani, Vice-dean of FASE, for his trust and efforts. We also express our gratitude to the Presidency Office of Municipalities for their invaluable cooperation and support, with special recognition to Ms. Tavga Mohammed and Ms. Rozhgar Yousif.

We look forward to further collaborations that bridge academia and public service in the pursuit of sustainable urban development.

Keywords: Tishk International University (TIU), Business and Management, Conference, Ministry of Municipalities, Erbil, Sustainable Development, Digitalization, Agile Leadership, Community Service, Academic Research