Barzan, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – 28 April 2026

Dr. Karwan Al-Dosakee, the director of Grand Library, representing the University of Duhok, conducted an official visit today to the Barzani National Memorial, accompanied by Mr. Ameer Abdulaziz. The visit included a productive meeting with Dr. Amed Demirhan, the supervisor of the museum, where key discussions were held on the current state and future development of higher education libraries across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, generally, and UoD, particularly.

The meeting focused on evaluating existing library infrastructures at UoD, identifying challenges in access to academic resources, and exploring opportunities to enhance research support services for students, academic staff, and researchers. Particular attention was given to the importance of modernizing library systems and adopting digital solutions and AI to improve accessibility and efficiency.

A central theme of the discussion was the promotion of open access journals as a strategic priority for higher education institutions in the region. The participants emphasized the role of open access publishing in increasing the visibility of Kurdish research, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring equitable access to scientific knowledge.

Dr. Al-Dosakee highlighted the University of Duhok’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its library services and digital resources, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He also stressed the importance of collaborative initiatives among universities and research centers to build a more integrated and sustainable academic ecosystem.

The visit concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued dialogue and partnership to advance the quality of higher education and research infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region.

This visit marks an important step toward reinforcing cooperation between academic institutions and national cultural centers in supporting knowledge development and research dissemination.