Iraqi Smart Cities Forum Towards Sustainable and Smart Iraqi Cities
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Iraqi Smart Cities Forum

Second EditionBaghdad · Dijlah Village

Iraqi Smart Cities Forum — Second Edition opens
Forum openingIraqi Smart Cities Forum — Second Edition opens
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SECOND EDITION · 2026

Towards Sustainable, Smart Cities

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum has concluded in Baghdad. Dialogue, expertise and partnerships shaping the future of Iraqi cities.

Forum concluded · Registration closed

DIALOGUE. KNOWLEDGE. PARTNERSHIPS.

Stories from the Forum

Iraqi Smart Cities Forum — Second Edition opens — Photograph 1
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01Forum opening

Iraqi Smart Cities Forum — Second Edition opens

The second edition of the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum opened with broad attendance and active participation from public and private sector institutions, international organizations, academic institutions, experts and specialists.

The Forum brought together leading national and international organizations to discuss the future of Iraqi cities and explore modern experiences and solutions in digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and the development of urban infrastructure and services, supporting the transition toward smarter, more sustainable cities and a better quality of life.

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02First panel

The future of smart cities in Iraq

The first panel featured a rich discussion bringing together specialists and experts from the public and private sectors, international organizations and academic institutions.

The session addressed challenges and issues concerning the future of Iraqi cities. Participants presented solutions, proposals and expert perspectives to support the transition toward smarter, more sustainable cities and to develop infrastructure and services that meet future needs.

The session participants were

  • Dr. Hussam SamirExecutive Director, Janayen Iraq Organization for Sustainable Development
  • Dr. Mohammed Mohsen Al-SayedDirector General, Regional and Local Development Directorate, Ministry of Planning
  • Dr. Ammar Mohammed NouriDirector General, Planning and Follow-up Directorate, Ministry of Communications
  • Eng. Sadiq Kadhim Al-AnbakiHead of the New Cities Implementation Authority, Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works
  • Mr. Marcus TudehopeProgramme Manager, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
  • Eng. Ibrahim Al-TamimiManaging Director, Al-Ghadeer Real Estate Investments, the Forum’s Strategic Sponsor
  • Dr. Muhaib Kamil FalihInstitute of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Baghdad

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum extends its thanks and appreciation to all speakers for the insights and expertise that enriched the dialogue on the future of Iraqi cities.

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03Second panel

Standards for smart and sustainable cities

The second panel featured a specialized discussion bringing together experts and specialists from government institutions, international organizations and academia.

The session addressed the importance of standards and indicators in building smart and sustainable cities. It also examined service quality, environmental sustainability, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and the role of standards in supporting the development of Iraqi cities on more efficient and sustainable foundations.

The session participants were

  • Media professional Haider Al-AbdaliSession moderator
  • Dr. Fayyad Mohammed AbdHead of the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control, Ministry of Planning
  • Dr. Suha Mohammed HadiDean of the Informatics Institute for Postgraduate Studies, University of Information Technology and Communications
  • Mr. Haider Qasim Al-DarajiDirector General, General Company for Carbon Economics, Ministry of Environment
  • Dr. Murad Abdul-SamadHead of the Cybersecurity Center, National Security Advisory
  • Mr. Mustafa Al-MuslihProgramme Manager, International Trade Centre in Iraq (ITC Iraq)

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum extends its thanks and appreciation to all speakers for the insights and expertise that enriched the dialogue on standards for smart and sustainable cities and supported the development of Iraqi cities on more sustainable and efficient foundations.

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04Presentation

Smart technologies in city management

Eng. Nisreen Namrouqa, President of the Arab Smart Cities Forum, delivered a presentation entitled “Smart Technologies in City Management.” It explored key aspects of using smart technologies to improve the efficiency of city management and develop services.

Eng. Nisreen Namrouqa addressed topics including waste management, smart governance, resource sustainability, and security and safety. She highlighted the importance of modern technologies in supporting cities that are more efficient, sustainable and capable of meeting future challenges.

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05Memorandum of understanding

A partnership for digital transformation and business development

Private Sector Development DepartmentDigital World International

The second edition of the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Private Sector Development Department and Digital World International.

The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the government and private sectors and support joint efforts in development, digital transformation, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge, helping strengthen the business environment and develop solutions that meet future needs.

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum affirms that stronger public–private partnerships are a fundamental pillar of digital transformation, development and the advancement of Iraqi cities.

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06Memorandum of understanding

Cooperation for sustainable development and smart cities

International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq (ICC-Iraq)Janayen Iraq Organization for Sustainable Development

The second edition of the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq (ICC-Iraq) and Janayen Iraq Organization for Sustainable Development.

The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between private sector institutions and sustainable development organizations. It supports joint efforts in sustainable development, smart cities, digital transformation, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge, contributing to initiatives and projects that serve the future of Iraqi cities.

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum affirms that stronger partnerships between economic and development institutions are an important step toward sustainable development and innovative solutions for Iraqi cities.

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07Memorandum of understanding

A three-way partnership to build the cities of the future

International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq (ICC-Iraq)Arab Smart Cities ForumIraqi Smart Cities Forum

The second edition of the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum witnessed the signing of a joint memorandum of understanding between the International Chamber of Commerce in Iraq (ICC-Iraq), the Arab Smart Cities Forum and the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum.

The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between national and Arab institutions and to support joint efforts in smart and sustainable cities, digital transformation, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge, contributing to solutions and initiatives that support the future of Iraqi cities.

The Iraqi Smart Cities Forum affirms that building the cities of the future requires integrated efforts and stronger partnerships across all sectors and stakeholders.

TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE

To everyone who contributed,
attended and participated: thank you.

To our institutions, partners, sponsors and speakers, and every team working behind the scenes.

Read our full message of thanks

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Your voice shapes the next edition

Tell us about your experience at the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum: an impression, an idea that inspired you, or a suggestion for the next edition.

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  • We read every message and build on it for the next edition

1st Edition in numbers — 2025

620+Participants
52Speakers
35Partners & Sponsors
12Countries
20Hours of Content
About the Forum

Iraq’s platform for Smart Cities

In response to the national need to develop Iraqi cities and build new smart, sustainable urban centers, the forum reviews international experiences, showcases the capabilities of the Iraqi private sector and the supportive government environment, and strengthens partnerships with international organizations and global companies specialized in smart and sustainable cities.

Vision

For the Iraqi Smart Cities Forum to be the driving step towards new sustainable, green cities with a smart urban character — combining high quality of life, technology and innovation, in an advanced environment aligned with development goals and global standards for smart, sustainable cities.

Objectives

01

Establish the smart-city concept as a strategic choice for urban development in Iraq

02

Anchor smart and sustainable city-building standards based on global best practices

03

Advance urban planning, infrastructure and smart digital services

04

Promote digital transformation, e-government and smart municipal finance

05

Showcase applicable local and international solutions and experiences

06

Stimulate investment and partnerships in smart-city projects

07

Contribute to sustainable development and a better quality of life in Iraqi cities

Targeted Sectors

Sectors building the cities of tomorrow

Urban Planning & Development
E-Management of Cities & Complexes
Investment, Finance & PPPs
Smart Finance & E-Collection
Municipal Services & Smart Waste
Smart Transport & Traffic
Housing & Smart Residential Complexes
Universities, Research & Innovation
Smart Health & Digital Services
Safety, Security & Surveillance
Water, Sanitation & Resources
Modern Building & Construction
Sustainable Energy & Environment
Telecom & Digital Infrastructure
IT & Digital Transformation
Forum Agenda

A day of dialogue & innovation

Forum DaySeptember 2, 2026

Conference, specialised exhibition, workshops and B2B meetings

9:00
Registration & Entry

Registration, forum hall access and VIP entry

10:00
Official Opening

Iraqi national anthem and opening remarks by VIPs

10:45
Introductory Presentation

Introduction to the forum and Iraqi cities

11:00
First Panel Discussion

The future of smart and sustainable cities in Iraq

12:00
Exhibition Opening

Tour of the specialized exhibition booths

12:30
Specialized Presentations

Solutions and applications for smart, sustainable cities

13:00
Second Panel Discussion

Managing safe smart cities and sustainable energy

14:00
Arab Smart Cities Forum Presentation

Presentation by the Arab Smart Cities Forum

15:00
Third Panel Discussion

Fintech session, networking, and lunch

Media & Co-Marketing

Media opportunities, live coverage and co-marketing with the forum

Digital Investment

Digital investment discussions with specialists

Direct B2B & B2G Meetings

Direct meetings with government entities and investors

Research Papers

Research papers on smart-city development

University Projects

Showcasing university and research-center projects

Innovation Sessions

Panel sessions on innovation in smart, sustainable cities

Technology Solutions

Discussing technology solutions for the sector

Partners

Second edition partners

Ministry of Construction & Housing
Ministry of Construction & Housing
New Cities Implementation Authority
New Cities Implementation Authority
Ministry of Planning
Ministry of Planning
National Investment Commission
National Investment Commission
Communications & Media Commission
Communications & Media Commission
Mayoralty of Baghdad
Mayoralty of Baghdad
Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce
Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce
Arab Smart Cities Forum
Arab Smart Cities Forum
Arab Towns Organization
Arab Towns Organization
ICC Iraq
ICC Iraq

Organized By

Progress Group for Training & Conferences
Progress Group for Training & Conferences

An Iraqi company (Reg. 88107/2015) specialized in management development, entrepreneurship, simultaneous interpretation and organizing conferences and exhibitions — 10+ years of experience and 100+ events annually.

Digital World International Company
Digital World International Company

The first company specialized in smart cities in Iraq — an integrated vision for innovation and sustainability, combining advanced technology and sustainability to build smart, sustainable cities.

Visit website
International Participation

International Participation

The preparatory committee took part in the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona (November 2024 and 2025) to study international standards and the latest technologies and expand relations with leading companies and government bodies. The 2nd edition launch seminar was held on February 13, 2026, followed by the Smart Energy Management seminar on February 19, 2026.

Barcelona 2024
Barcelona 2025
Forum launch
Smart energy seminar