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10:00
Welcome Remarks
10:05
Keynote Speech
H.E. Mr. Qubad Talabani
Deputy Prime Minister, Kurdistan Regional Government
10:15
Presentation: The Data Revolution Initiative 1 Year On
Mr. Amanj S. Yarwaessi
Founder & Board Director, MEED Foundation
10:30
Panel 1: Data Policy in Iraq & the Kurdistan Region
Moderator:
Dr. Lava Aras Ibrahim
Dean of Azmar Technical & Professional Institute
Panelists:
Dr. Hasan Alkhatib
Advisor for Digital Transformation to the Prime Minister of Iraq
Mr. Mustafa Sabah Shaheed
Assistant Director of the National Data Center Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers
Dr. Bryar Rashid
Parliamentarian, Iraq Council of Representatives
Mr. Hiwa Osman
Director General, 964media.com
11:50
Presentation: Data-Driven Economy: Insights from the Republic of Korea
H.E Seungcheol Lim
Consul General, Republic of Korea
12:00
Coffee Break
12:30
Panel 2: Building a Sustainable Data Management Ecosystem
Moderator:
Ms. Razan Omar Ali
Lecturer and Deputy head of Environmental Sciences Department. Coordinator of Mobilities at University of Sulaimani
Panelists:
Prof. Dr. Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE
Advisor for Artificial Intelligence to the Prime Minister of Iraq
Mr. Amanj Amjad
Deputy Chief of Corporate, Toyota Iraq
Mr. Ayman Alshobaki
Cybersecurity & Risk Management Professional, Resecurity
Professor Dr. Robert Perrins
Vice President, Academic Affairs at American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
MEED Foundation © Copyright 2024
Vice President, Academic Affairs at American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
Professor Robert Perrins, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. He previously served as Provost at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. With over 30 years in academia, he has taught and conducted research in Canada, China, and the U.S. His expertise includes global histories of science, medicine, and pandemics. A recipient of numerous awards, he was a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at Shanghai University.
Dean of Azmar Technical & Professional Institute
Dr. Lava Aras Ibrahim is the Dean of Azmar Technical and Vocational Institute and a lecturer at Sulaymaniah University. Holding a Doctorate in Economics and Finance, as well as a Master's in Economics and Management, Dr. Lava was the top student in her college. Her research focuses on finance and economics, and she has made significant contributions to the academic field. Dr. Lava’s leadership in education and her ongoing research in the economic sector are central to her role in advancing academic excellence at Sulaymaniyah University.
Advisor for Digital Transformation to the Prime Minister of Iraq
Hasan Alkhatib is a prominent figure in digital transformation and telecommunications, currently serving as an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq. He has held senior positions, including being a Microsoft Executive and serial entrepreneur, founding several tech companies. Hasan is also a professor and inventor, holding 74 worldwide patents. His leadership extends to his role as president of the Digital Transformation Club and Head of the Digital Academy in Iraq. He has significantly influenced the tech landscape through his work in both academic and business environments.
Assistant Director of the National Data Center Department at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers
Mustafa Sabah Shaheed is the Assistant Director of the National Data Center Department and Director of the Data Management Department in Iraq. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Baghdad and a Higher Diploma in Data Mining, Mustafa has expertise in systems development and database administration. He plays a significant role in shaping Iraq’s data management policies and has contributed to the improvement of national data infrastructures.
Parliamentarian, Iraq Council of Representatives
Bryar Rashid is a Member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives. He is also a member of both the Economy and Industry and Tourism, Antiquities, and Media Committees, where he has contributed to key legislative reforms. As a parliamentarian, his work includes the preparation of laws focused on economic development and public rights. He has been recognized as one of the best representatives in Sulaymaniyah. He is fluent in Kurdish, German, English, and Arabic. Bryar holds a Bachelor of Dentistry from Sulaymaniyah University. He has also served as a representative for the Kurdistan Students Union and within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
Consul General, Republic of Korea
Seungcheol Lim is the Consul General and Head of the Korean Consulate in Erbil. He holds a Master of Law from the University of Law, UK, and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University, USA. With a background in law and public administration, Seungcheol has extensive experience in international diplomacy. His role involves strengthening Korea-Iraq relations and managing the consulate’s operations, fostering collaboration between both nations in various sectors.
Director General, 964media.com
Hiwa Osman is a Kurdish journalist, media developer, and the Director General of 964media.com, a multilingual news platform. He is the creator of the Qarar app, which gauges public opinion on various issues. Hiwa has previously worked as the media advisor to President Jalal Talabani and as Iraq Country Director for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. An award-winning journalist, he was recognized for his contributions to new media by the International Council for Press and Broadcasting in 2013.
Lecturer and Deputy head of Environmental Sciences Department. Coordinator of Mobilities at University of Sulaimani
Razan Omar Ali is a PhD candidate in Environmental Soil Chemistry in the USA and a lecturer at the University of Sulaymaniyah. She specializes in sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability. Razan is also the coordinator for mobilities at the university, fostering academic partnerships. She is a co-founder of the Jingadosty Organization, Iraq’s national focal point for UN1FY, and is an advocate for soil preservation, working with movements like Conscious Planet and Save Soil to promote environmental sustainability.
Consul General of the People's Republic of China
Liu Jun is a seasoned diplomat serving as Consul General at the People's Republic of China Consulate. With a career spanning from 1993 to the present, Liu has held various positions, including Attaché, Consul, and Deputy Head of Department, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. He has served in key locations such as South Korea, New York, Chicago, and Xinjiang. Liu's extensive diplomatic experience and contributions to international relations have solidified his position in China’s foreign affairs network.
Advisor for Artificial Intelligence to the Prime Minister of Iraq
Prof Dhiya Al-Jumeily OBE is a professor of artificial intelligence at Liverpool John Moores University with over 30 years of experience in AI and its applications to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). His research focuses on using AI to improve global healthcare, environment, safety, and education. Dhiya is also the founder of the eSystem Engineering Society and has published over 500 academic works. He was awarded the OBE in 2020 for his services to scientific research and is recognized as one of the top 30 influential Arabs in technology and AI.
Deputy Chief of Corporate, Toyota Iraq
Amanj Amjed is the Deputy Chief of Corporate Officer at Toyota Iraq, where he has been working since 2020. He leads the Legal & Compliance, HR, Admin, Public Relations, and CSR functions at the company. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across various industries, including automotive, telecommunications, and construction, Amanj has built a robust career in HR, legal, and compliance. He holds a Master’s Degree in Law from Teramo University, Italy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the University of Sulaymaniah, Iraq.
Cybersecurity & Risk Management Professional, Resecurity
Ayman AlShobaki is a cybersecurity and risk management expert with a focus on the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. He specializes in Cyber Threat Intelligence and works at Resecurity, bridging the gap between cutting-edge security solutions and organizations' needs. With a deep understanding of cybersecurity trends, Ayman helps businesses enhance their defenses against evolving cyber threats. His knowledge and expertise position him as a key player in securing digital infrastructure and addressing cybersecurity challenges across the MENA region.
