Sustainable Human Development in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Study of Educational Obstacles (2003-2023)

Abstract

This study sought to explore the role of the education sector in achieving sustainable human development in the Kurdistan Region during the period from 2003 to 2023, with a focus on its compatibility with development requirements.The study assumed that education is one of the main indicators of development components, but that it faces challenges that hinder its effectiveness in the region. The study relied on quantitative and qualitative approaches, where the descriptive analytical approach was used to assess the reality of the education sector in the Kurdistan Region during the mentioned period, in addition to the statistical approach to analyze the relevant indicators.
The study showed that the infrastructure of the education sector in the Kurdistan Region suffers from imbalances that negatively affect its absorptive capacity. The weakness of vocational education and its lack of compatibility with the needs of the labor market led to a decrease in its demand, which contributed to high unemployment rates and its negative impact on economic development.

          The study showed that there is a clear gap between public and private education, where private education has better resources while public education suffers from poor funding and lack of oversight. The study stressed that achieving sustainable development requires radical reforms that include strengthening infrastructure, improving the quality of curricula and training, and developing vocational education policies.
  The study recommended the development of a long-term strategy for the development of the education sector, increasing the focus on technical education, strengthening governance and transparency in its management, while reducing partisan interference to ensure the provision of equitable and sustainable education. She stressed the importance of allocating sufficient budgets to support educational projects and ensure the sustainability of funding.
  In conclusion, the study indicated that the education sector in the Kurdistan Region can be a key pillar for achieving sustainable human development, provided that structural reforms are implemented aimed at improving the quality of education and enhancing its role in building human capital to achieve comprehensive development in the region.