Conference Background
ICRU-SDGs Conference Logo

4th International
Conference of The College of City and Regional Planning

The Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing The SDGs Through Education, Research, and Innovation

September 23-24, 2025 • University of Duhok

Organized by

University of Duhok Logo
Jerash University Logo
Jordan University Logo

Academic Partners

Collaborating institutions supporting sustainable development research and education

Academic Partner
TU Berlin
TU Berlin
Academic Partner
Academic Partner
Academic Partner
NorthLight Holding
Finest Solar Solutions
Technical University of Dortmund
Conference Concluded — Proceedings Now Available

Conference Proceedings 2025

We are pleased to present the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on the Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Foreword

A Message of Welcome

We are pleased to present the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on the Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (ICRU–SDGs 2025), held in September 2025 and hosted by the University of Duhok in cooperation with the University of Jerash and the Jordanian Academics Association.

This conference was organized at a critical time, where societies face increasing challenges that require knowledge, collaboration, and innovative solutions. Universities play a central role as institutions that combine education, scientific research, and community service, contributing directly to achieving sustainable development goals.

The proceedings include a collection of scientific research and studies presented by academics and researchers from various countries, reflecting diverse perspectives and experiences. These contributions address important topics such as sustainability, governance, education, innovation, and the role of universities in building knowledge-based societies.

This publication represents a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening academic cooperation among institutions. It also emphasizes the importance of translating knowledge into practical applications that serve society and support sustainable development.

We hope that this work will contribute to enriching academic dialogue and encouraging further research and collaboration in this vital field.

Conference Overview

Advancing The SDGs Through Education, Research, and Innovation

Universities play a crucial role as drivers of change, catalysts for innovation, and nurturers of future leaders who will tackle our most pressing global challenges.

- United Nations SDG Initiative
University of Duhok

University of Duhok

Host of ICRU-SDGs 2025

In light of the rapid challenges the world faces across economic, social, and environmental fronts, the urgent need for achieving comprehensive sustainable development emerges as a strategic goal pursued by countries and societies. And because higher education is one of the primary engines of change and progress, universities hold a pivotal position in shaping the future and building knowledge-based societies.

From this perspective, this scientific conference, entitled "The Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals", comes to form a dialogue and interactive platform that brings together a select group of academics, researchers, and decision-makers.

The aim is to shed light on the multiple roles universities play in supporting development efforts, through education, scientific research, community service, and participation in policy-making. The conference seeks to discuss successful visions and practices, and to explore new horizons for activating the role of universities in facing developmental challenges, and enhancing partnerships with different sectors, thereby contributing to building a more sustainable and just future for future generations.

Host Universities

UoD Logo

University of Duhok

Located in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The conference will take place at the Convention Center (UNCC) at the University of Duhok.

University of Duhok Campus
Jerash Logo

Jerash University

Located in Jerash, Jordan. Hosting the publication of conference proceedings in the peer-reviewed "Jerash University Journal for Research and Studies."

Official Website
Jerash University Campus 1
Jerash University Campus 2
Jerash University Campus Wide

Jordanian Academicians Society

A partner organization supporting the conference and academic activities in Jordan.

Conference Themes

Exploring the critical role of universities in achieving sustainable development goals

ICRU-SDGs Conference Logo

ICRU - SDGs

International Conference on the Role of Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Day 1 Theoretical and Legislative Framework and Scientific Research

Exploring the foundational concepts, policies, and research that drive sustainable development in higher education

1. Foundations & Goals of Sustainability

  • Defining sustainable development and its three dimensions (economic, social, and environmental).
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of academic institutions in achieving them.

2. Education, Policy & Leadership

  • Government policies and the role of universities in sustainable development.
  • International legislation and initiatives related to the role of higher education in achieving sustainability.

3. Universities & Social Responsibility

  • The relationship between universities and sustainable development.
  • University initiatives in serving the community and environmental sustainability.

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished experts sharing insights on sustainable development in higher education

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt

Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt

University of Graz, Austria

Expert in sustainable development education and policy implementation in higher education institutions.

View Profile
Prof. Dr. Anke Hagemann

Prof. Dr. Anke Hagemann

Habitat Unit, TU Berlin, Germany

Specializes in urban development research and sustainability initiatives within architectural education.

View Profile
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maan Chibli

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maan Chibli

Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Architecture and Design, İstanbul Türkiye

Expert in sustainable development and educational innovation with extensive experience in higher education administration and international cooperation.

View Profile
Dr. Ahmad Adnan Gheni

Dr. Ahmad Adnan Gheni

Komar University of Science and Technology

Faculty member at Komar University specializing in engineering and sustainable development with expertise in environmental and civil engineering applications.

View Profile
Dr. Johannes Lückenkötter

Dr. Johannes Lückenkötter

Technical University of Dortmund, Germany

Researcher and academic at TU Dortmund specializing in spatial planning and sustainable development with focus on regional planning and policy implementation.

View Profile

Submission Guide

Submission Guidelines

  • The applicant needs to have or create an account on edas.info before submitting the paper.
  • Online Submission: The authors are requested to submit their papers via EDAS.
  • The submitted paper MUST NOT be previously published, and not considered elsewhere for publication.
  • The submitted paper will be double blind peer review.
  • The possible decision on a paper are: Accepted, Revision (Minor or Major) or Rejected.
  • All papers will be checked for plagiarism and the similarity check MUST NOT exceeding 23%.
  • Acceptance/Rejection of papers will be decided by the referees of the corresponding conference.
  • The submission is electronically and the size of A4 with (.docx) format will only be considered. The paper should be NOT EXCEEDING 6 PAGES.

Full Paper Submission

Submit your Full Paper Submission through EDAS system until 15/8/2025:

Full Paper Submission

Submission Links

Full Paper Submission Tracks:

Track 1: The Concept of Sustainable Development and its Goals

Submit Paper

Track 2: Educational Legislation and Policies and Sustainable Development

Submit Paper

Track 3: Universities as a Driver of Sustainable Development

Submit Paper

Track 4: The Role of Scientific Research and Innovation in Achieving Sustainable Development

Submit Paper

Track 5: Universities, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Economic Development

Submit Paper

Track 6: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Education

Submit Paper

Track 7: Universities and Social Responsibility

Submit Paper

Track 8: Partnerships between Universities and Different Sectors

Submit Paper

Track 9: Towards a Sustainable University: Strategies and Recommendations

Submit Paper

Download Paper Templates

Please use the official template for your submission. Choose your preferred language:

Conference Fees

Registration Categories

On-Site Registration

Registration Fee: $200

One Week Before the Conference

Registration Fee: $150

Staff from UoD

Registration Fee: $100

Students

Registration Fee: $75

Participation and Attendance for 2 days with Certificate

Registration Fee: $25

Note: Registration must be made by sending email to the contacts below. All fees are in USD.

Registration Information

What's Included

  • Conference attendance for both days
  • Conference materials and badge
  • Lunch and coffee breaks
  • Publication of accepted papers
  • Certificate of participation

Payment Methods

Registration fees can be paid through:

  • Bank Transfer
  • Cash Payment

After your paper is accepted, you'll receive payment link and registration details by email.

View Proceedings

Important Notes:

  • Student registration requires valid student ID proof.
  • At least one author per accepted paper must register to ensure publication.
  • Each registration covers one paper only. For additional papers, a supplementary fee of $75 USD applies.

For registration assistance or special requests:

Important Dates

Date Information
15 May 2025 Call for Conference
1 August 2025 Abstract Submission
Early Bird (Deadline)
15 August 2025 Full Paper Submission
(Deadline)
1st week of September Notification of
Acceptance/Rejection
18 September 2025 Closing the Registration
23 and 24 September
2025
Conference Date

Conference Venue

Convention Center (UNCC) at The University of Duhok

View on Google Maps

Publication Information

Conference Publisher

Research papers will be published in two peer-reviewed journals:

  • The "Jerash University Journal for Research and Studies," a peer-reviewed scientific journal, cataloged in the EBSCO database, and has a DOI. View Journal
  • High ranking papers will be published in SCOPUS journal,with additional fees applicable if the author wishes to proceed with this option.

All papers submitted to the conference will be published in:

  • A special issue of the "Jerash University Journal of Research and Studies," a peer-reviewed scientific journal issued by the University of Jerash in Jordan.
  • 10 Papers will be published in the "Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences Journal", indexed in SCOPUS https://dsr.ju.edu.jo/djournals/index.php/Hum
  • Zanin Journal of Science and Engineering (ZJSE), a prominent academic journal dedicated to the fields of science and engineering. Published bi-annually by the University of Duhok. View Journal
  • The Journal of Applied Sciences and Technological Trends (JASTT), an international, peer-reviewed, and fully open-access journal committed to publishing high-quality research that advances the frontiers of applied science, engineering, and emerging technologies. The journal is indexed in SCOPUS. View Journal

Conference Edition

4th International Conference of the College of City and Regional Planning

Conference Organizer

University of Duhok, College of City and Regional Planning

Travel & Accommodation

Practical information for planning your trip to Duhok

Travel Information

Conference Venue

The conference will be held at the Convention Center Building, located within the University of Duhok campus.

View on Google Maps

Important Note: Participants must have a valid ID or passport to enter the venue and share their full name and ID number with the organizers before the meeting.

Airports

  • Erbil International Airport (EBL): The main international gateway, approximately 110 km (about a 2-hour drive) from Duhok.

Transportation

Participants will enter the Kurdistan Region of Iraq via Erbil International Airport. Once you have booked your flight, please email the organizers your arrival details.

Transportation from Erbil to Duhok will be arranged by the organizers.

Visa Information

Participants are personally responsible for obtaining necessary entry visa to Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Invitation letters can be provided by the organizers upon email request.

Accommodation

Booking Information

Participants are required to make their own accommodation arrangements via Internet booking. For assistance with booking any of the listed hotels, please contact the conference organizers.

Recommended Hotels

The following hotels offer special rates for conference participants:

Hotel Jiyan

$60 per night (single room, including breakfast)

Hotel Coral

$60 per night (single room, including breakfast)

Hotel Sargali

$40 per night (single room, including breakfast)

Hotel Khani

$40 per night (single room, including breakfast)

Hotel Sihad

$30 per night (single room, including breakfast)

About Duhok

Duhok is a beautiful city located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, surrounded by mountains and known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

September weather in Duhok is generally pleasant with average temperatures between 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F).

Contact Information

For any questions related to travel, accommodation, or other logistics concerns, please contact:

Contact Us

Committees

Organizing Committee

Committee Members

LR
Asst. Prof. Dr. Layla Mohamed Raswol

Kurdistan Region - Iraq (Chair)

AH
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Hawamdeh

Jordan (Co-Chair)

MT
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Tarawneh

Jordan

JM
Prof. Dr. Juwan Mohammed Mohammed Mahdi Almofti

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

HW
Prof. Dr. Heike Wendt

Austria

AY
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Baheej Yaseen

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

SA
Dr. Shaheen Abdullah Abdulkareem

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AT
Dr. Aihan Jamal Taha

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

PH
Dr. Pires Husamuldeen Abdullah

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

HH
Dr. Haitham Hijazi

Jordan

HA
Dr. Hiba Al-Momani

Jordan

MA
Dr. Maria Al-Tawalbah

Jordan

HM
Dr. Hanan Mihi Hussein

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

QA
Mr. Qaidar Naamo Abdulsamad

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

SM
Mr. Samir Hashim Muhyadeen

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

JK
Ms. Jowan Bayez Khorsheed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LO
Mr. Lawend Kamal Othman

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AO
Mr. Aland Kamal Othman

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

WA
Mr. Walat Mohammed Shareef Asaf

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

FK
Ms. Furat Khalaf Kuti

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LB
Ms. Lava Nashwan Ramzi Baban

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AM
Ms. Alaa Masoud Mahmood

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LQ
Ms. Layla Ahmed Qasim

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

JN
Ms. Juwan Mamoun Nour Mohammad

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AJ
Mr. Ayaz Jamal Hussein

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

YD
Mr. Yaser Abdolsalam Dawood

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

RH
Mr. Razvan Mohammed Naji Habib

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

NA
Ms. Nwivan Nechirvan Ahmed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

VM
Mr. Vajin Kawa Mahmood

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

ON
Mr. Omar Sabah Nori

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

Scientific Committee

Committee Members

(Note: The conference is also supported by an International Advisory Committee (Scientific) with 50% of its members from outside Iraq.)

AK
Prof. Dr. Aveen Khalid Abdulrahman

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AH
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Hawamdeh

Jordan

AB
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Battah

Jordan

AS
Prof. Dr. Ali Heider Saad

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

FS
Prof. Dr. Farhad Seaid Saadi

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

HH
Prof. Dr. Hussein Ali Hussein

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

JA
Prof. Dr. Jamal Al-Afif

Jordan

KO
Prof. Dr. Khaled Al-Omari

Jordan

MK
Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ahmed Bakr Khayat

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

MQ
Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qudah

Jordan

MS
Prof. Dr. Mansour Al-Sarayrah

Jordan

MT
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Tarawneh

Jordan

MA
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abu Al-Haija

Jordan

MB
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Breik

Jordan

SQ
Prof. Dr. Sinan Qasim Hussein

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

YM
Prof. Dr. Yaseen Taha Mustafa

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

OA
Asst. Prof. Dr. Obey Mohammad Sabri Ali Al-Wattar

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AY
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Baheej Yaseen

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AJ
Asst. Prof. Dr. Alvin Nadher Jajo

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

JY
Asst. Prof. Dr. Jalal Hasan Younis

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LZ
Asst. Prof. Dr. Lida Issa Zadeh

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

RM
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rezgar Mostafa Mohammed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

SI
Asst. Prof. Dr. Shareen Younus Ismael

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

BS
Dr. Basheer Ahmed Mohammed Saeed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

HH
Dr. Haitham Hijazi

Jordan

Conference Board

Board Members

LR
Asst. Prof. Dr. Layla Mohamed Raswol

Chair

AH
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Hawamdeh

Co-Chair

YM
Prof. Dr. Yaseen Taha Mustafa

Vice-Chair

HH
Dr. Haitham Hijazi

Vice-Chair

Editors' Committee

Responsible for receiving and directing submitted articles

AB
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Battah

Jordan

QH
Prof. Dr. Qasim Al-Hamouri

Jordan

AK
Prof. Dr. Amal Al-Kharouf

Jordan

YM
Prof. Dr. Yaseen Taha Mustafa

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AY
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Baheej Yaseen

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AB
Dr. Ahmad Batah

Jordan

JK
Dr. Jowan Bayez Khorsheed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

SA
Dr. Sheheen Abdullah Abdulkareem

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

FK
Ms. Furat Khalaf Kuti

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

Welcoming Committee

Committee Members

FK
Ms. Furat Khalaf Kuti

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

VM
Mr. Vajin Kawa Mahmood

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

JM
Ms. Juwan Mamoun Nour Mohammad

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LB
Ms. Lava Nashwan Ramzi Baban

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AM
Ms. Alaa Masoud Mahmood

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

LQ
Ms. Layla Ahmed Qasim

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

NA
Ms. Nwivan Nechirvan Ahmed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

ON
Mr. Omar Sabah Nori

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

IT and Media Committee

Committee Members

PA
Dr. Pires Husamuldeen Abdullah

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

IK
Mr. Ismat Mahmood Mohammed Khabour

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AO
Mr. Aland Kamal Othman

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

AI
Mr. Avraz Sardar Ibrahim

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

FA
Ms. Fatima Mahmood Ali

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

HM
Mr. Hussein Ismail Mohammed

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

WA
Mr. Walat Mohammed Shareed Asaf

Kurdistan Region - Iraq

Conference Tracks

Conference Tracks

Track 1:

The Concept of Sustainable Development and its Goals

Track 2:

Educational Legislation and Policies and Sustainable Development

Track 3:

Universities as a Driver of Sustainable Development

Track 4:

The Role of Scientific Research and Innovation in Achieving Sustainable Development

Track 5:

Universities, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Economic Development

Track 6:

Digital Transformation and Sustainable Education

Track 7:

Universities and Social Responsibility

Track 8:

Partnerships between Universities and Different Sectors

Track 9:

Towards a Sustainable University: Strategies and Recommendations

Contact Us

Conference Details

  • University of Duhok, College of City and Regional Planning, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Conference Venue: Convention Center (UNCC) at The University of Duhok
  • September 23-24, 2025

Conference Contact