Institutional capacity building

Two lecturers from Diyala University participate in a specialised course on crisis and disaster management
Two lecturers from the Faculty of Basic Education at the University of Diyala, Assistant Professor Dr. Mustafa Mahdi Eidan (Head of Student Activities) and Lecturer Dr. Nourus Najib Ahmed (Head of the Volunteer Work Unit), participated in an advanced training course entitled ‘Crisis and Disaster Management.’
The course was organised over two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2 and 3 December 2025, at the Faculty of Pure Sciences at the University of Diyala, in collaboration between the Student Activities Department (Volunteer Work Division) at the University Presidency and the Civil Defence Directorate in the province.
The course aimed to provide participants with a deep understanding of crises and disasters and effective planning methods to deal with them. It also sought to spread a culture of crisis management and raise awareness of its risks and ways to deal with them immediately when they occur. The objectives focused on enhancing the capabilities of educational staff to ensure a safe environment and protect lives and property on campus.
The seminar included discussions on several key topics, including: the concept of crisis and disaster and the difference between them, the stages of crisis management (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery), the role of proactive planning and preventive safety measures in educational institutions. Mechanisms for effective coordination between academic institutions, the Civil Defence Directorate and other security agencies during emergencies. Communication and media skills in times of crisis, and how to control information and prevent the spread of panic.
The college’s participation in this course is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations, and closely aligns with the following goals: Goal 3: Good health and well-being: Focusing on ensuring public safety and protecting the lives and physical and mental health of the university community during crises and disasters. Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities: The activity directly aims to significantly reduce the number of deaths and losses caused by disasters and to strengthen the resilience of cities and communities. Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions: By building effective and inclusive governmental and academic institutions capable of responding to security challenges and natural disasters with strength and coordination. Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals: Through fruitful cooperation and effective partnership between the University of Diyala and the Civil Defence Directorate in the province to achieve common goals.