On September 30, 2025, the Professional Development Institute (PDI) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) organized a high-level Roundtable on Skills & Workforce Development, bringing together leading business figures and senior executives from some of the most influential companies in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The event served as a platform for dialogue on workforce challenges, future opportunities, and the critical role of collaboration between academia and the private sector.

Executives from a wide range of industries participated in the roundtable, including Taurus Energy (Qaiwan), Faruk Investment Group, IQ Group, Tanupo Holding, Byblos Bank, Mercedes Slemani, GUL Holding – Erbil, Data Quest, Asia Hospital, Wataniya Group, Halabja Group, SK Group, Ruyat Tech Company, and Dlinia Insurance. Their presence underscored the importance of connecting higher education with the realities of the labor market.

The discussion centered on how to better equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy, from technical expertise to critical soft skills. Business leaders emphasized the importance of aligning curricula with industry demands, fostering innovation, and encouraging practical experiences that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Through this initiative, AUIS reaffirmed its role as a hub for meaningful dialogue between academia and industry. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to further cooperation, paving the way for initiatives that will enhance workforce readiness and empower the next generation of professionals across the region.