On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) hosted a special lecture by Mr. Futoshi Matsumoto, the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq. The event, exclusively organized for AUIS faculty and staff, focused on the topic, "Japan's Modernization and Its Lessons for the Future of Iraq and Kurdistan." 

During his lecture, Ambassador Matsumoto provided valuable insights into Japan’s historical path to modernization and the lessons that could be applied to Iraq and the Kurdistan region as they navigate their own developmental challenges. He discussed key themes such as economic reform, infrastructure development, and the importance of cultural resilience in the face of rapid change. 

The event was well-attended by AUIS faculty and staff, who explored parallels between Japan’s experiences and the current regional context. The lecture offered a unique perspective on how historical lessons from Japan could shape the future of Iraq and Kurdistan in meaningful ways.