Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) clubs are being established in Baghdad, Iraq’s council for youth announced on Tuesday.

Three centers as part of youth and sports clubs aim to train 200 youths annually in AI and robotics, providing the youth with new educational opportunities and preparing them for global advancements.

Qasim al-Zalmi, the Iraqi Prime Minister's advisor for youth affairs, highlighted the council's achievements, including the launch of these robotics clubs.

He emphasized that these initiatives would help Iraqi youth stay up to date with technological advancements and create new educational opportunities.

The Kurdistan Region inaugurated Iraq's first AI conference in Erbil in June. The event marked a significant step in introducing AI technology in Iraq.

Diaa al-Jumaili, the Iraqi Prime Minister's Advisor for Scientific Affairs and AI, emphasized the participation of specialists, academics, and technical experts, aiming to leverage the expertise of Iraqi professionals both domestically and internationally. 

He highlighted Iraq's historical connection to technological advancement, noting the modern industrial revolution's roots in Baghdad 1200 years ago.

Jumaili detailed a strategy extending to 2050, which included establishing an AI faculty in every Iraqi university and transforming the College of Agriculture into the College of Smart Agriculture.

The conference aimed to establish an AI center in Iraq, headquartered at the American University of Baghdad.

In conjunction with the AI conference, Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Naim al-Aboudi launched an initiative for bilateral academic cooperation between Iraq and the United Kingdom, aiming to replicate the UK's AI laboratory experience in Iraq.

Additionally, the Iraqi Minister of Communications, Hayam al-Yasiri, announced an international proposal to regulate social media content and govern AI, highlighting Iraq's role in global digital transformation efforts.

In June, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq signed a memorandum of cooperation with Huawei to advance information and communication technology (ICT) in the country. 

This partnership aimed to establish virtual training centers in Iraqi universities and colleges, offering state-of-the-art coursework and globally recognized degrees.

Minister Naim al-Aboudi emphasized the significance of the collaboration, highlighting Huawei's role in supporting students and encouraging innovation.