Birzeit University awards Kuwaiti Business Leader Kutayba Alghanim with Doctorate for lifelong contributions to education & social impact
BIRZEIT, May 25: Birzeit University has awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) to Mr. Kutayba Alghanim, Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, community development, and private sector leadership. The ceremony took place in Kuwait on May 20, 2025, and was attended by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair of Birzeit University's Board of Trustees; Dr. Talal Shahwan, University President; members of the university Board, H. E. Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Kuwait, and distinguished figures from the academic and business communities.
In her remarks, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi said: 'This recognition honors a man who has championed education as a foundation for building stronger, more just societies. Through his unwavering commitment to educational, economic, and social progress, Mr. Alghanim has set a powerful example of ethical leadership. Today, as we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to defend and advance the values of justice and equity – particularly in light of the grave humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people. With the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the forced displacement of families across Gaza and the West Bank, we are witnessing systematic violations that threaten the fundamental rights to life and education. These atrocities demand an even stronger commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, dignity, and learning – not as abstract ideals, but as concrete responsibilities to the next generation.'
Commenting on this, Kutayba Alghanim said: 'I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from a university that continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge and perseverance. Birzeit has always recognized that education goes beyond academic pursuit – it's a symbol of resilience and hope during the hardest of times. I have long believed that the greatest battle we face in our region is the battle against ignorance – and education is our most powerful tool. Birzeit's role in this fight is not just admirable, it is essential. I believe that investing in knowledge and education is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a more just and balanced future. To be recognized by such an institution, here in Kuwait, a country grounded in humanitarian values and a long-standing commitment to the dignity of the Palestinian people – gives this honor even greater meaning.'
Dr. Talal Shahwan, President of Birzeit University, added: 'Mr. Kutayba Alghanim is not only a business leader of great distinction, but also a visionary committed to building more inclusive, equitable communities – where education is prioritized and justice is non-negotiable. His consistent support for education and humanitarian causes across Palestine, the Arab world, and beyond is a continuation of the legacy of his late father, Mr. Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim, who believed deeply in the power of knowledge and the dignity of work.'
Kutayba Alghanim serves as Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has embraced a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and forward-looking business practices.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Alghanim has remained a committed advocate for education and social development. His philanthropic support enabled the construction of the Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim Library at Birzeit University in 1985, and he continues to fund scholarships for deserving students at Birzeit, Arab students at the University of California, Berkeley – his alma mater – and the Lebanese American University, as well as in Kuwait through partnerships with the Arab Open University and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.
In 2003, he founded the Dar Ilham and Yusuf Alghanim Center in Lebanon, a family-style residential home for orphaned children, and he supports a range of other humanitarian and educational initiatives across the region, including the Children's Home project in Kuwait. The honorary doctorate is among Birzeit University's highest honors,
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
4 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Iranian Embassy holds event to commemorate Imam Khomeini
KUWAIT: Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Toutonji speaks at an event held to mark the 36th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait held a ceremony to mark the 36th anniversary of the passing of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. The event was attended by a distinguished group of scholars, intellectuals, social and political figures, several former members of the National Assembly, members of the Kuwaiti-Iranian Friendship Association, and a large crowd from the Iranian community. 'On this great day, we gather to commemorate a man whose influence extended far beyond the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran,' Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Toutonji said. Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, was an inspiration to all the free people of the world. He was a figure who united religion and worldly affairs, basing every social movement on faith and justice. The late Imam was not merely a political leader; he was a prominent jurist, a profound philosopher, and a spiritual thinker reflecting deeply on the essence of humanity and existence.' Ambassador Toutonji continued: 'In a world where the voices of the oppressed are still silenced, and people are crushed under the weight of power, greed, and war, the message of Imam Khomeini - a message of justice, dignity, faith, and freedom - is more urgent than ever. Let us all, with our different religions, languages, and homelands, stand united to build a humane society worthy of our dignity.' Several speakers also gave remarks, highlighting that the Palestinian cause was always on Imam Khomeini's agenda. They emphasized his lifelong commitment to Islamic unity, his resistance to division and discord, and his opposition to any attempts to sow strife - efforts that are detrimental to the interests of the Islamic nation. They stressed that the Imam consistently called for unity and the extinguishing of sedition.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
‘All I think about is Gaza': War weighs heavy on hajj pilgrims
The is an 'the opportunity of a lifetime' MAKKAH: Away from home in Gaza, Palestinian pilgrim Mohammed Shehade said the rare chance he was given to perform hajj is overshadowed by fears for his family trapped in the war-battered territory. The 38-year-old engineer had been granted a permit to leave as he sought life-saving cancer treatment in Egypt, but Zionist authorities barred his family from accompanying him. He said his departure from the Gaza Strip in February presented him with 'the opportunity of a lifetime' to apply for the annual Muslim pilgrimage, which begins on Wednesday. But even as he visited the holy sites in the Saudi city of Makkah, his heart was heavy with thoughts of his wife and four children stuck in Gaza under relentless bombardment. 'This is life's greatest suffering, to be far away from your family,' Shehade told AFP on a roadside leading to Makkah's Grand Mosque. He is among hundreds of Gazans set to perform Islam's holiest rites alongside more than a million worshippers from across the globe. As pilgrims robed in white filed by, Shehade said he had been praying day and night for the Gaza war to end and to be reunited with his family. 'You could be in the best place in the world but if you are away from your family, you will never be happy,' he said. 'Between two fires' Zionist entity has relentlessly attacked Gaza since militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, stopping the blistering military offensive only during two short-lived truces. Leaving Gaza has become practically impossible for most inhabitants, but some like Shehade have been evacuated on medical grounds. 'Here I am preparing to perform hajj but there are things I can't speak about. If I do I will cry,' he said as tears began to form in his eyes. Shehade left Gaza during a truce, but Zionist entity has since renewed its intense bombing campaign and blocked aid deliveries, with the United Nations warning of widespread famine. 'When I left I was caught between two fires,' Shehade said of the choice to travel for an essential surgery and leave his family behind. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 4,149 people have been killed in the territory since Zionist entity resumed its offensive on March 18, taking the war's overall deaths toll to 54,418, mostly civilians. 2023 attack that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, also mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. US President Donald Trump said Friday that a new ceasefire deal was 'very close', but the negotiations have appeared to hit another dead end. Disillusioned after over a year and a half of failed talks, Shehade said he has 'grown scared of being optimistic and becoming disappointed once more'. Prayers for peace About 1,350 Gazans mostly residing in Egypt, in addition to another 500 who have been invited as guests of the Saudi king, are set to perform hajj this year, Palestinian officials said. One Gazan pilgrim, Rajaee Rajeh al-Kahlout, 48, fled the Palestinian territory for Egypt with his four children and his wife seven months after war erupted. His home was destroyed and his import-export business shattered. While hajj is normally a source of joy, Kahlout said it was impossible for him to think of celebrations. 'All my family, my sisters and brothers, are still in Gaza... Every waking moment, we fear for our family,' he told AFP, calling on pilgrims to pray for the war to end and loved ones to be reunited once more. 'I wish I could have come here during better times, without war, death and destruction.' The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be completed by all Muslims with the means at least once. Official permits are allocated to countries through a quota system and distributed to individuals via a lottery. In the lobby of the Al-Nuzha Plus hotel in Makkah, where Gazan pilgrims are staying, a widow in her 60s told AFP she had not seen her 10 children since she was evacuated for medical reasons last year. She said she was praying for 'the children of Palestine' suffering from starvation and conflict. 'All I think about is Gaza, my whole life is there: my children, my home... I want to return.' - AFP
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Amir Congratulates Kuwaitis, Expats on Eid Al-Adha
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: The Amiri Diwan on Wednesday relayed Eid Al-Adha greetings from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Kuwait's citizens and residents, wishing them a happy Eid amid amity, security and safety. The Amiri Diwan seizes this blessed opportunity to convey Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also wished both Arab and Muslim worlds a blessed Eid, security and stability, praying to Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait and its people and to grant them security and safety. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Wednesday a message of congratulations on Eid Al-Adha from His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. In the message, His Highness the Crown Prince expressed his honour to send sincere congratulations to His Highness the Amir on this occasion, praying sincerely to Allah to protect His Highness the Amir and wishing him perpetual well-being. His Highness the Crown Prince also wished success to His Highness the Amir in leading the dear country to make further progress and prosperity. His Highness the Crown Prince asked Allah to repeat this blessed occasion on Kuwait, and Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir sent a message of thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince for these good and sincere feelings. His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah Almighty to maintain security and safety as well as prosperity to the dear homeland, and wished success to all nationals for making further progress and accomplishments for the sake of the homeland. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah also received on Wednesday congratulatory cables on Eid Al-Adha from His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received cables from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait National Guard Chief Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, His Highness Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In their cables, their Highness expressed best wishes and prayers on the blessed occasion, wishing many returns. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked them for their kind words and sentiments. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah exchanged on Wednesday congratulations on Eid Al-Adha with Arab and Muslim leaders. In his cables, His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah Almighty to return this blessed occasion on Arab and Muslim nations with goodness, blessings, and further stability and security. Kuwait's Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al- Sabah extended his warmest greetings on Wednesday to the nation's political leaders ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha. Expressing his well wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, in addition to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti defense minister wished the nation continued development and prosperity, according to a statement. Vowing to do his 'utmost' to protect the nation's 'security and stability,' the minister wished Kuwait's political leaders health and success as they continue to oversee national development, ultimately ensuring that such growth remains on an upward trajectory under their leadership. On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, several ambassadors and diplomats extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the leadership of Kuwait -- represented by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as well as the Kuwaiti people. They affirmed the significance of the holiday and the strong bilateral relations between their respective countries and Kuwait. The envoys pointed out the shared values embodied by Eid Al-Adha; such as tolerance, solidarity and human fraternity, as well as the importance of deepening mutual understanding and cooperation in all fields. Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Zubaydullah Zubaydov stated that 'it is a great pleasure and honor for me, on behalf of all accredited members of the diplomatic corps, to extend my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the generous Kuwaiti people on this blessed occasion. As we share in the joy of these virtuous days with Kuwait's leadership and people, we ask Almighty Allah to bless His Highness with good health and well-being, and Kuwait with ongoing progress and prosperity under his wise leadership. May peace, security, and harmony prevail across the Arab and Islamic nations.' He then reaffirmed the strong ties between Tajikistan and Kuwait, and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all sectors. European Union (EU) Ambassador Anne Koistinen said 'I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, the friendly Kuwaiti people, and Muslims around the world, including those in the EU, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. I also offer my warmest congratulations to all pilgrims this year.' She added that 'celebrating Eid Al-Adha for the third consecutive year in Kuwait has deepened my appreciation for the values this occasion reflects like charity, compassion and human connection. Eid Mubarak!' French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin expressed the same; indicating 'I extend sincere congratulations to everyone celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait, France and around the world. It is an honor to celebrate my first Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait -- a nation where these celebrations reflect a deep culture of generosity, hospitality and solidarity.' He pointed out that the occasion offers a valuable opportunity to reinforce the bonds between societies; wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful Eid filled with good health and well-being. Chargé d'Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy Mykola Dzhedgora stated 'on behalf of the Ukrainian Embassy, I extend our warmest congratulations to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and all Muslims in Kuwait and around the world, including Ukraine.' He confirmed that Ukraine respects Islamic culture and traditions as a meaningful part of its national heritage, adding that Ukrainian Muslims play an important role in defending the country's sovereignty and unity. Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Peña Haller added 'on behalf of the government and people of Mexico, I am honored to offer our warmest congratulations to the leadership and people of Kuwait on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. We wish His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Prime Minister, and the generous Kuwaiti people continued health, prosperity and stability.' He highlighted the spiritual essence of the occasion as he concluded, 'Eid al-Adha represents generosity and unity. It serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, peace and solidarity. We hope it brings joy to Kuwaiti families and strengthens the bonds of friendship between our two nations.' His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah received a congratulatory phone call from Bahrain King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. During the call, King Hamad prayed Allah to repeat this blessed occasion the two countries, Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked King Hamad for this kind gesture, wishing the Kingdom and its people blessed Eid, security and stability. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah received a congratulatory phone call on Wednesday from Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. During the call, Sultan Haitham prayed Allah to repeat this blessed occasion the two countries, Arab and Muslim nations with progress, goodness and development. In turn, His Highness the Amir thanked Sultan Haitham for this kind gesture, wishing the Sultanate and its people blessed Eid, security and stability. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday received a call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, congratulating him on Eid Al-Adha. During the phone conversation, the Iranian president wished His Highness the Amir good health and the State of Kuwait further development and prosperity under His Highness the Amir's wise leadership. His Highness the Amir, in turn, thanked the Iranian president for this good gesture, congratulated him on this happy occasion, and wished him wellness and his friendly country more progress and prosperity.
