Italy honors AUIB founder Saadi Saihood with the Order of the Star of Italy

BAGHDAD — Italian President Sergio Mattarella has conferred the Order of the Star of Italy, in the rank of Commander, on Dr. Saadi Waheeb Saihood, the Founding Father of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad and Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees, the university reported on September 28, 2026.

Italy's ambassador to Iraq, Niccolò Fontana, presented the honor at the Italian Embassy in Baghdad, before ambassadors, Iraqi government ministers and business leaders. The order was conferred on the recommendation of Antonio Tajani, Italy's foreign minister, in recognition of Dr. Saihood's contributions to economic and cultural relations between Italy and Iraq.

"Dr. Saihood has been one of the key figures and one of the most steadfast advocates of this deep bond," Ambassador Fontana said, praising his "constant efforts in favor of youth development and dialogue."

Dr. Saihood described the order as "not only a token of appreciation of my own self," but a reflection of the depth of relations between the two countries and their peoples.

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Waraq's News Desk compiled this report in October 2026 from the source below, with the help of an AI writing tool.

Source

• AUIB: Italian President Sergio Mattarella Confers Upon AUIB's Founding Father Dr. Saadi Saihood Order of the Star of Italy in the Rank of Commander (September 28, 2026)