In a significant step toward advancing sustainable urban development and climate action, students from the Department of City Planning at the College of City and Regional Planning, University of Duhok (UOD), actively participated in the launch of the Sustainability Network—the first initiative of its kind in Duhok.

On Monday, June 29, 2026, the network’s launch and its extensive practical field activities were organized and executed in close partnership with the Yak Dar Organization for Environmental Awareness and Protection in Kurdistan. This successful collaboration was coordinated by Mr. Vajin Kawa Mahmood and Mr. Hakar Subhi Islam.

​To kick off the network's operations, the Yak Dar representatives and accompanied by the City Planning students, spearheaded an inaugural event titled "A Full Day of Sustainability," which received support from the AFS Assembly Network Fund. The day began with an intensive seminar focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

​Following the seminar, Yak Dar officials led the students on comprehensive field visits to the Kwashi industrial area, where they were exposed to real-world recycling and composting plants. The technical field study concluded with a site visit to Avro City water sanitation to examine sustainable urban infrastructure, specifically focusing on residential wastewater treatment and water reuse systems.

The College of City and Regional Planning continues to present its ongoing commitment to advocating and presenting impactful environmental protection and awareness campaigns in aims of preserving the sustainability of the environment for future gemerations.