(MENAFNEditorial) We will never create a concept of citizenry, and a sense of responsibility in the Arab world, if we cannot first fashion a better education system, and more opportunity - HRH Prince Hassan
AMMAN----April 16, 2012------- HRH Prince Hassan Bin Talal delivered a breath-taking lecture entitled "Education, Opportunity and Identity" at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum/ Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business (TAGSB) to a full house of diplomats, intellectuals, high commissioners, government officials and students.
HRH Prince Hassan started by saying: "We will never create a concept of citizenry, and a sense of responsibility in the Arab world, if we cannot first fashion a better education system, and more opportunity."
"The right kind of education is the difference between the BP Oil Spill in the Atlantic, and Apple computing. It's the difference between businessmen like Talal Abu-Ghazaleh or Abdul Hameed Shoman, the founder of the Arab Bank, and those who believe that their wealth exempts them from any sense of responsibility," he added.
In his speech, the Prince identifies the 'right kind of education' as an education that instills not simply leadership, but a sense of identity – a sense of self.
"Talal Abu- Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business cannot tell you how to create a successful business, or forge a successful career. There is no secret formula. Each one of you is different," the Prince told students who attended the lecture.
He continued:"I understand that the MBA program many of you are studying is the first in the Arab world to be accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA). This is good news for two reasons. One, because it means your knowledge can be applied globally and recognized globally. Two, it should mean all of you are appreciated for 'what you know', not 'who you know'."
According to HRH Prince Hassan Jordan can only transform itself through a knowledge based economy as there is no room for a patronage based economy.
HRH Prince Hassan tackled the lack of opportunity for graduates which led many to seek better chances abroad.
"Seventy percent of American Faculty members are not of American origin. There are more Arabs in faculties in the United States than there are Indians, and Chinese. Many take on American nationality. Many of the Arab world's best thinkers used to exist in exile. Over the past few decades, more and more have chosen to move abroad by choice," he said.
Stressing on the great history of Arab education, the Prince focused on the fact that we simply stopped investing in human beings.
"I have said for decades that an absence of information, upon which we can build empirical knowledge, has been holding this region back. Information is a form of security. It provides assurance. It informs policy. It can be used in all sorts of ways. That's why I believe that one of the things we need most in this region is a regional knowledge database," he pointed out.
The Prince commended the work of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh in establishing TAGSB saying:" The business school is not only committed to becoming the 'Harvard of the Arab World' but also an institution that places ethical and moral values alongside academic and technological expertise."
HRH Prince Hassan concluded by saying: "Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business School is rebuilding Jordan one graduate at a time. But it's no longer enough to rebuild. I say again: Education for citizenship, education for peace and education for life."
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh welcomed HRH Prince Hassan and thanked him for his kind words and his patronage of TAGSB's graduation ceremony in 2010 saying:"Your Royal Highness, we are overwhelmed with your presence and your leadership of many forums; we have followed your wish in establishing TAGIPEDIA, the first online Arabic encyclopedia and also we are working on Souq Al Quds E-Market in addition to several projects based on your guidance."
Students were highly interactive. A lively questions and answers session was another landmark of the event.
At the end of the lecture, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh presented an honorary shield to HRH Prince Hassan.
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