College of Administration and Economics at Tikrit University Launches the Seventh International Scientific Conference on Digitalization and Financial Inclusion

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Yasser Al-Aboudi, and under the supervision of the President of Tikrit University, Professor Dr. Waad Mahmoud Raouf, and with the follow-up of the Dean of the College of Administration and Economics, Assistant Professor Dr. Fouad Farhan Hussein, the activities of the Seventh International Scientific Conference of the College of Administration and Economics were launched on Wednesday morning, 17/12/2025, at Al-Khwarizmi Hall. The conference is held under the theme:

“Modern Trends in Administrative and Financial Digitalization from the Perspective of Financial Inclusion of the Central Bank of Iraq”

for the period 17–18 December 2025, with wide participation from Iraqi and Arab researchers.

The opening session began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the playing of the Iraqi national anthem and the anthem of Tikrit University. The President of the University, Professor Dr. Waad Mahmoud Raouf, then delivered his speech, in which he emphasized the importance of administrative and financial reform in light of digital transformation and financial inclusion. He noted that universities are no longer limited to a theoretical role, but have become active partners in shaping public policies and supporting the national economy.

He explained that digitalization represents a strategic necessity to combat corruption, enhance transparency, and achieve equity in access to financial services, commending the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq in spreading financial literacy and developing electronic payment systems. He also called for adopting a unified national strategy for digital integration, strengthening partnerships between universities and banking institutions, supporting financial innovation, expanding financial inclusion, developing cybersecurity systems, and promoting financial awareness in society.

In concluding his speech, the President of the University stressed that building a fair digital economy requires a genuine partnership between academic institutions and decision-making bodies, expressing his hope that the outcomes of the conference would contribute to supporting the reform process and building a more stable and just Iraq.

The Dean of the College of Administration and Economics also delivered a welcoming address, expressing his pride in the distinguished attendance of guests and researchers. He affirmed the College’s commitment to keeping pace with modern developments in the fields of administration and finance and to promoting concepts of digital transformation and financial inclusion. He noted that the conference is being held at a pivotal stage marked by rapid transformations in administrative and financial institutions, placing a scientific responsibility on universities and researchers to present visions and studies that support sustainable development.

This was followed by a speech by the Executive Director of the Iraqi Private Banks League, Mr. Ziad Tareq, which addressed the role of the banking sector in supporting financial inclusion and enhancing digital transformation.

The opening program included the presentation of several visual materials, including a film on the reconstruction of Tikrit University, a video on the development of the Central Bank of Iraq, and visual recordings highlighting the role of the College of Administration and Economics and the history of the Central Bank of Iraq in supporting financial inclusion and digital transformation.

A panel discussion was also held entitled “The Role of the Central Bank of Iraq in Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Administrative and Financial Digitalization”, with the participation of a group of specialists: Abdulaziz Shuweish, Muhannad Aziz Mohammed, and Mr. Hussein Abdul Amir Sinjar.

The conference has witnessed extensive research participation, with a total of (72) scientific papers presented, distributed across four main themes addressing administrative and financial digitalization, financial inclusion, and modern developments in the banking and financial sector. Participants include researchers and academics from Iraqi, Arab, and international universities and scientific institutions, reflecting the scientific momentum and academic significance of the conference.

At the conclusion of the opening session, the President of the University, the speakers, and guests were honored with conference shields and shields of the Central Bank of Iraq. The Financial Inclusion Exhibition, organized by the Central Bank of Iraq in cooperation with the Iraqi Private Banks League, was also inaugurated in the courtyard of the College of Administration and Economics.

The first day’s program concluded with the commencement of the first evening session to discuss the participating scientific papers, under the supervision of the conference’s scientific committee, in the halls of the College of Administration and Economics, amid wide academic and research attendance and participation from inside and outside Iraq.