The University of Information Technology and Communications held an online scientific workshop entitled “Desertification and its repercussions on environmental security”, presented by the head of the University’s psychological counseling division, Lect. Dr. Yasser Majed Dirjal, in cooperation with Lect. Dr. Younes Taleb Shehab from the Nineveh Education Directorate.
The workshop, organized by the Continuous Education Center in cooperation with the University Psychological Counseling Division, addressed the concept of desertification and its causes, in addition to classifying its degrees and the resulting environmental, economic and social effects.
The reality of desertification in Iraq was also discussed as a prominent example of contemporary environmental challenges.
The two lecturers addressed the relationship between desertification and environmental security, explaining how desertification poses a direct threat to global environmental security and affects the paths of sustainable development.
The workshop also reviewed the role of modern digital technologies in monitoring and reducing desertification, through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies in monitoring environmental changes, as well as highlighting the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as innovative tools to address desertification.
The workshop emphasized that adopting these advanced technologies represents an important strategic step towards confronting the phenomenon of desertification, as they provide proactive diagnostic capabilities, early warning, and more effective treatments, which contributes to enhancing natural resource management and achieving sustainable development goals.

Based on the directions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and in implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Women, as well as in line with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Department of Women’s Affairs , in collaboration with the Continuious Education Center, organized a scientific seminar titled “Women’s Mental Health Amid Violence: Impacts and Challenges.”

The seminar was presented by Dr. Amani Saleh Zanaad, who discussed the concept of violence and its various dimensions. She explained that violence has three main levels, including harm and intolerance, while also reviewing the direct and indirect causes of this phenomenon.

The lecturer highlighted the factors that affect the severity and duration of psychological and physical symptoms in abused women and girls. She also examined the most prominent personality disorders associated with violent behavior, in addition to other disorders that impact behavior patterns and relationships.

In terms of solutions, the seminar emphasized the importance of adopting comprehensive preventive strategies by enhancing community prevention, launching awareness campaigns, promoting a culture of respect for women, and integrating educational curricula that combat violence in educational institutions. It also stressed the necessity of early intervention by establishing listening and support centers, referring individuals to psychological specialists, and providing legal accompaniment and initial psychological support.

The seminar concluded by underscoring the importance of listening and providing psychological support without making premature judgments, thereby fostering an atmosphere of trust and psychological and social support.