Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Region Education and Higher Education Council yesterday held its first meeting, chaired by Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani.

The quality of Kurdistan Region universities was among the topics highlighted in the meeting. It was decided to set a national ranking system, based on quality and scientific level, for all those universities and institutions that are under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education.

Finding new resources to fund the construction of new schools, a serious issue from which Kurdistan Region suffers, was also discussed. A comprehensive assessment of the situation of the schools will be submitted to the Council and new decisions will be taken accordingly.

Another topic discussed in the meeting was the state of Kurdish education in the Kurdish areas outside the Kurdistan Region administration. The meeting maintained that Kurdish education in those areas needs to be developed.

Holding a conference to discuss the current state of education in the Kurdistan Region and ways to develop it was also discussed. The conference is scheduled to be held next month.

The Kurdistan Region Education and Higher Education Council was established late last year. It has the responsibility of developing strategic plans for education and higher education sectors in the Kurdistan Region.

The Council comprises the membership of Prime Minister Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, Ministers of Education, Higher Education, Planning, and Economy and Finance.