(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has said that the higher education we aspire for is the one that not only lets us know the latest in sciences and knowledge and harnesses technology to serve the community, but also redefines the educational and scientific mindset, and makes learning and research and development a driving force to upgrade learning methods so as to address current challenges.
Sheikh Sultan made his remarks during a ceremony held at the Cairo University Grand Celebration Hall, to present him with an honorary doctorate in social studies in the presence of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of Sheikh Sultan, along with a group of senior statesmen in Egypt, Arab ambassadors, scientists, thinkers and Cairo University professors.
Sheikh Sultan was the 78th high profile personality to be granted the degree in the 100-year history of the university.
Sheikh Sultan said he was extremely pleased to be at the Cairo University and thanked its President Dr. Gaber Gad Nassar and the Senate for honouring him.
''It is a great honour that I will be proud of throughout my life,'' said Sheikh Sultan.
Sheikh Sultan called on universities, institutes and research centres to expand in establishing a solid base for constructive, effective scientific research, whose outcomes will not only benefit the Egyptian community alone but the wider Arab and international communities.
''Modern communities in the West and the US were ahead of us in this respect for a long time and we should catch that train without compromising our moderate, tolerant Islamic and Arab identity which urges us to uphold values, thought and knowledge,'' he concluded.
A documentary on the life, career, times and achievements of Sheikh Sultan was also screened during the ceremony. Sheikh Sultan, a graduate of Cairo University, was praised as a strong supporter and promoter of Islamic and Arab culture, world cultures and education, and his local, regional and international contributions in these fields have earned him prestigious international awards.
In his address to the audience, Dr. Nassar said Sheikh Sultan was among the leaders, thinkers, scientists and writers who have studied at this university.
''Sheikh Sultan, the pioneer, who we honoured today, is an example of loyalty and commitment to the tenets of this university, He has always remained very close to it,'' he said.
''It is our duty to be proud of him and honour him as one of the thought-leaders, and as a humble human being, whose bright humanitarian touch was shown in his great acts towards his religion, country, and the wider humanity.'' He said that the university decided to grant him the honorary doctorate in recognition of his prominent role in supporting and promoting culture, arts, sciences across the world, of his incessant support of the causes of his homeland and those of the Islamic and Arab world and for his support to the people of Egypt and loyalty to his university.
Among those attending the award-giving ceremony were Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Al Araby, UAE Minister of State Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and a number of Egyptian ministers of higher education, culture, and scientific research and senior officials.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.