Baghdad: The Finnish Education Conference – Baghdad Edition has commenced with a focus on enhancing the quality of education and developing teacher competence. The head of the Iraqi Teachers Syndicate, Uday Hatem Al-Issawi, welcomed Finnish Ambassador to Iraq, Antti Potkonen, UNESCO representative Nermin Ezzat, and Saad Al-Rubaie, Director General of Education for Baghdad’s Third Karkh District, to the event. This second edition of the conference in Baghdad is organized in cooperation with the Finnish Education Center and Pioneers of the Future, featuring participation from the syndicate’s deputy head, members of the central administrative body, and a select group of Iraqi and Finnish educational experts, school leaders, and decision-makers.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the conference included dialogue sessions and practical workshops that examined Finnish educational practices suitable for Iraqi schools. Discussions also addressed mechanisms for building teacher competency, enhancing teaching quality, developing learning assessment tools, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting teachers and developing students’ thinking skills.

The head of the union emphasized that the conference sponsorship is rooted in the belief that teacher development is crucial to educational reform. He highlighted that adopting global experiences, especially the Finnish model, aids in forming a modern educational environment centered on creativity and innovation. This approach aligns with rapid advancements in teaching methods and artificial intelligence technologies, promising positive impacts on educational outcomes.

Finnish Ambassador Antti Potkonen praised the partnership with the Iraqi Teachers Syndicate and the conference organizers, noting that educational cooperation is a significant aspect of bilateral relations. He acknowledged that sharing expertise and best practices supports efforts to enhance education and build teachers’ capacities, and expressed interest in expanding cooperative efforts for the benefit of future generations and education quality.

In conclusion, the conference underscored the importance of building effective educational partnerships and exchanging international expertise, contributing to the development of teachers’ and educational leaders’ capabilities. Such initiatives aim to establish a culture of quality education, fostering an educational system that adapts to global changes and serves the future of generations and Iraq’s development process.