The second annual Next Step exhibition took place in Sulaimaniya on September 22, featuring Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, and officials from the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The event aimed to bridge the gap between education and the labor market while showcasing opportunities for high school graduates in Kurdistan.
Enhancing Education and Employment Opportunities
The Next Step exhibition in Sulaimaniya served as a vital platform for fostering connections between education and employment in the Kurdistan Region. Deputy Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region Qubad Talabani participated in discussions focused on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) agenda for education and higher education. With the attendance of faculty members, doctors, and teachers from various universities, the exhibition provided students and stakeholders with insights into the strategies and plans of regional educational institutions.
The event particularly benefited 12th-grade high school graduates by offering numerous opportunities, including a variety of free scholarships for those wishing to pursue higher education at universities across the Kurdistan Region. This initiative aimed to encourage academic advancement and ensure that students had the necessary resources to continue their studies without financial barriers.
Bridging Education and Labor Market Needs
Attendees included experienced professionals and employers who shared their insights on the current labor market dynamics in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. This interaction was designed to equip students with a better understanding of job prospects and the skills needed to excel in their chosen fields post-graduation. Deputy Prime Minister Talabani emphasized the importance of aligning educational institutions with the demands of the labor market, stating, “Educational institutions must be linked to the labor market, and we must take advantage of global developments to make higher education more universal.”
Talabani praised the organizers of the exhibition for their efforts, expressing a desire for the region’s educational standards to reach new heights. He affirmed that students must be encouraged to take charge of their own futures while educational institutions adapt to provide relevant training and knowledge.
Fostering Competition and Global Standards
During his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani articulated a vision for a competitive educational landscape in the Kurdistan Region. “We hope that there will be competition between public and private universities and educational institutions. Each should strive to excel based on its geographical location,” he stated. He expressed optimism about the potential for development while underscoring the necessity of learning from global advancements in education.
Talabani’s focus on fostering competition among educational institutions reflects a broader goal of enhancing the quality of education. By connecting local universities with international standards, he aims to prepare students to meet the evolving challenges of the job market, ensuring they possess the advanced skills required by employers.
The Next Step exhibition not only aimed to inform students about educational opportunities but also emphasized the critical connection between education and employment. As Qubad Talabani led discussions on improving higher education in the Kurdistan Region, his commitment to bridging gaps and fostering a competitive environment stood out as a pivotal step toward achieving these goals.
