Al-Mustaqbal University examined the impact of visual pollution caused by waste sites on the mental and psychological performance of school students during its participation in the 12th International Workshop on UI GreenMetric for Sustainable Universities (IWGM 2026), held at Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld, affiliated with Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany, on August 30, 2026. Professor Dr. Ali Shaker Majdi, Dean of the College of Engineering at Al-Mustaqbal University, presented the research entitled “The Impacts of Visual Pollution from Waste Sites on the Mental and Psychological Performance of School Students,” highlighting the potential effects of visual pollution resulting from waste accumulation and indiscriminate dumping in areas surrounding schools on the educational environment, students’ psychological well-being, and their daily behavior. The study focused on several indicators associated with the environment surrounding schools, including concentration levels, the ability to organize thoughts, anxiety, psychological discomfort, as well as students’ behavior and environmental awareness. The research was based on a field survey involving 400 secondary school students in Babylon Governorate, using a scientific scale consisting of 15 items to assess the mental, psychological, and behavioral effects of the surrounding school environment. The presentation also included authentic field images and examples from the study sites in Babylon Governorate, along with the key findings. These findings revealed notable levels of difficulty in concentration, anxiety, and psychological discomfort among students exposed to environments affected by visual pollution, in addition to indicators related to certain behaviors, practices, and levels of environmental awareness. The research attracted the attention and engagement of workshop participants due to its approach linking environmental sustainability with the quality of the educational environment and students’ mental health. It emphasized that visual pollution should not be viewed merely as an aesthetic or urban issue, as its effects extend to educational, psychological, environmental, and social dimensions. Al-Mustaqbal University’s participation came as part of its commitment to strengthening its research presence at international scientific forums and directing academic studies toward addressing environmental and societal challenges that have a direct impact on people’s lives. It also reflects the University’s efforts to promote a culture of sustainability and strengthen integration between scientific research, education, the environment, and mental health. This participation contributes to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13 on Climate Action. As the first-ranked private university in Iraq, Al-Mustaqbal University continues to support its scientific and research-oriented efforts in addressing sustainability issues, strengthening its role in serving the community, improving the quality of the educational environment, and contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come. AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq