Sulaimani, October 10, 2026 – The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) proudly celebrated its 15th Commencement Ceremony, honoring the achievements of 288 undergraduate and MBA graduates from the Class of 2026. The ceremony brought together distinguished guests, university leadership, faculty, families, and friends to celebrate this significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.

His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, delivered a commencement address. Dr. Ibtihal Al-Zaidi, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister on Education, also delivered a commencement address, representing the Iraqi Prime Minister. Dr. Elena Bourganskaia, Vice President of Strategy and Operations Support at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), delivered the keynote address. AUIS President Dr. Bilal A. Wahab welcomed attendees and offered his charge to the graduates.

The ceremony took place as AUIS entered its 20th anniversary academic year, 2026–2027, marking two decades since its establishment in 2006–2007. This milestone provided an opportunity to celebrate the University’s growth, its contributions to higher education, and the achievements of generations of AUIS students.

This year’s commencement also marked another milestone in the University’s academic journey, celebrating, for the first time, graduates specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. This achievement reflects AUIS’s continued commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and preparing students for the opportunities and challenges of an evolving world.

Among the highlights of the ceremony were the reflections of Mohammed Rasool Saeed, Undergraduate Valedictorian, and Renaz Ibrahim Sharif, MBA Valedictorian, who represented their fellow graduates and shared their academic journeys, experiences, and aspirations. The ceremony also featured Student Commencement Speaker Sanaria Kamal Jalal, who delivered the student address, “The Will to Keep Opening Doors.”

Beyond celebrating academic accomplishments, the 15th Commencement reaffirmed AUIS’s mission to develop knowledgeable, confident, and socially responsible graduates equipped to contribute to their communities and drive meaningful change. Through its commitment to critical thinking, innovation, and leadership, the University continues to prepare future generations to address real-world challenges and create lasting impact.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on its next chapter, each graduate carries forward the knowledge, experiences, and values gained throughout their academic journey, contributing to the University’s growing legacy.

AUIS extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026 and their families, wishing them continued success as they pursue their ambitions and shape the future.