“Next Step 2025” kicks off in Sulaymaniyah: The region’s largest educational fair with academic, tech, and student-focused activities

The Next Step 2025 Fair and Conference officially opened today at the Sulaymaniyah Cultural Factory, with a strong turnout of students and educational institutions. This year’s event is held under the theme: “Leading the Next Generation Toward a Brighter Future: Quality Higher Education, Workforce Skills, and Artificial Intelligence.”

The first day featured an opening session followed by academic discussions on Baghdad–Kurdistan integration, mutual student admissions between federal and regional universities, labor market needs in dentistry, and higher education strategies toward 2030. Afternoon sessions focused on academic accreditation quality, the role of AI in education, university sustainability, and innovation initiatives.

Mr. Amanj Ali, Founder of Next Step, stated in his opening remarks: "The first day marks the beginning of an important journey of knowledge and connection. We designed the program to combine academic dialogues, technical workshops, and interactive activities to empower students in making confident decisions about their educational and career paths."

Ms. Evin Qadir, Co-Founder and Organizer of Next Step, added: "We are proud to see this event grow year after year, becoming a true bridge between students and universities, and an opportunity to empower young people to choose their future pathways with confidence."

Workshops and Interactive Activities

Alongside the academic sessions, a workshop titled “Introduction to Robotics and Physical Computing” attracted dozens of students interested in emerging technologies. Exhibition booths, open from morning to evening, offered direct opportunities for students to meet with universities and educational institutions.

Entertainment activities, including a chess championship and e-sports competitions, added a lively atmosphere and encouraged networking among participants.

Looking Ahead

The second and third days will feature more specialized discussions on artificial intelligence, future skills, and sustainability initiatives, along with the announcement of more than 70 new scholarships for students across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.