Under the patronage and in the presence of the President of Al-Qadisiyah University, Professor Dr. Rahi Kalaf Mahdi Al-Yasiri, and the supervision of the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Dr. Munir Abdul-Amir Abdul-Fatlawi, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Al-Qadisiyah University held its first local and international scientific conference on sustainability under the theme “Towards Sustainable Health: A Veterinary and Biomedical Perspective,” with broad academic participation.

The opening ceremony, attended by the Governor of Diwaniyah, Mr. Abbas Shua’il Al-Zamili, Member of Parliament Mr. Basim Al-Gharabi, members of the University Council, deans of veterinary medicine colleges from Iraqi universities, officials from veterinary hospitals, the Veterinary Syndicate, and a wide array of researchers and academics, included the playing of the national anthem, a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah in remembrance of the martyrs. The Dean of the College, in his capacity as the conference chair, delivered the opening address, highlighting the profound meaning of the conference theme, which reflects a clear vision that the college believes in and strives to achieve.  It is based on establishing the One Health concept as the most integrated framework for understanding the profound relationship between human health, animal health, and environmental well-being.

He explained, “The convening of this first international conference at our college, which featured 77 accepted research papers out of 184 submitted, and which included international researchers from several foreign countries (Russia, India, Iran, Malaysia, and Indonesia), as well as Iraqi universities, represents a strategic step towards building a broad network of scientific cooperation among researchers, experts, and scientific institutions worldwide.”

The conference aimed to enhance cooperation between local and international researchers, exchange the latest developments in infectious disease control, promote sustainable strategies for preventing zoonotic diseases, and facilitate communication with international experts. The conference included discussions on two main themes: the first focused on biomedical sciences, and the second addressed veterinary clinical sciences and sustainable animal production.

The proceedings also included the opening lecture delivered by the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Livestock Affairs, Professor Dr. Basim Najm Al-Adhadh, entitled “Towards a Sustainable Healthy Future: Assessing Veterinary, Medical, and Environmental Challenges in Iraq.” On the sidelines of the conference, the President of Al-Qadisiyah University was honored with the conference shield, as were the Governor of Diwaniyah, Member of Parliament Basim Al-Gharabi, and a number of participants, researchers, and supporters of the conference activities. The evening scientific sessions in the college halls were also inaugurated, featuring scientific posters, veterinary treatments and equipment, and various student projects.