Under the Patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Kingdom: Launch of the First Iraqi Medical Congress in the UK

In an unprecedented diplomatic and academic initiative, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the United Kingdom organised the First Iraqi Medical Congress, the largest gathering of Iraqi medical professionals of its kind held outside Iraq. The event took place over the weekend on 14–15 June 2025 at the Novotel London West Hotel, London.

The congress witnessed broad participation from a distinguished group of Iraqi doctors, scientists and academics residing in the UK, along with delegates from Iraq representing the Ministries of Health and Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as government officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and prominent medical figures in the UK.

This landmark conference aimed at strengthening the bonds of collaboration between Iraqi medical professionals inside and outside the country, providing a platform for the exchange of medical and scientific expertise, and opened avenues for partnerships in research, development and medical education. It also sought to support ongoing efforts to advance Iraq’s healthcare system and encourage the return of Iraqi talent to contribute in rebuilding the homeland.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, Mr. Mohammad Jaafar al-Sadr expressed his pride in hosting this significant scientific event. He emphasised that the congress was not merely an academic gathering, but rather a strategic step within the framework of the ‘Taqat’ [Talents] initiative launched by the Embassy to invest in the potential of Iraqi professionals abroad and highlight their contributions to medicine and scientific research in the UK.

The Ambassador stated:“We believe that such gatherings lay the foundation for a brighter future, fostering strong connections between Iraq and the diaspora, enhancing cooperation to improve healthcare services, advance medical education and transfer cutting-edge technologies to Iraq.”

His Excellency also paid tribute to the immense sacrifices made by Iraqi doctors working under extreme conditions, particularly in Gaza, praising their humanitarian resilience and professional dedication. He called on the international community to uphold its moral and humanitarian responsibilities in supporting the medical sector in crisis regions.

The congress brought together more than 500 medical and academic professionals from the UK, Iraq and the wider Iraqi diaspora. Among the participants were heads of medical departments at leading UK hospitals, professors from prestigious universities and representatives from Iraqi academic institutions, reflecting the congress’s high scientific and professional position and underlining its significance as a premier platform for knowledge exchange.

It is worth noting that the First Iraqi Medical Congress in the UK marks a pioneering step in institutionalising a culture of scientific collaboration between Iraq and its diaspora, showcasing the country’s bright side and its distinguished professionals in the service of working towards national goals for the development and sustainable advancement of healthcare.