The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) proudly hosted the 1st SPE Summit, organized by the SPE AUIS Student Chapter, bringing together representatives from 14 universities alongside industry professionals and global energy leaders for a day of meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Held under the umbrella of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the summit created a dynamic platform for students, academics, and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of energy, engineering careers, and leadership in a rapidly transforming industry.

The event was especially honored to welcome Olivier Houzé, SPE President 2025, whose presence underscored the global importance of the gathering. Joining him were distinguished speakers from across the region who shared their expertise on management, technological innovation, sustainability, and the future of energy systems.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in insightful discussions addressing both the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector. Keynote sessions and panel discussions emphasized the importance of adaptability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and forward-looking leadership in navigating an increasingly complex global environment.

For students and young engineers, the summit provided valuable guidance on career pathways, professional development, and the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive and evolving marketplace. Industry leaders highlighted the growing need for innovation-driven solutions, responsible resource management, and stronger partnerships between academia and industry to ensure a sustainable energy future.

The 1st SPE Summit reflects AUIS’s commitment to empowering student-led initiatives, fostering professional engagement, and strengthening connections between universities and the energy sector. By convening academic institutions and industry leaders under one roof, the SPE AUIS Student Chapter demonstrated the power of student leadership in shaping conversations that matter for Iraq and the broader region.

As momentum builds from this successful inaugural summit, AUIS looks forward to continued collaboration with SPE and its partners to support the next generation of leaders in engineering and energy.