Birzeit University awards Kuwaiti Business Leader Kutayba Alghanim with Doctorate for lifelong contributions to education & social impact
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
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait raises over KD 6.5 million in urgent Gaza relief campaign
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The Ministry of Social Affairs announced on Wednesday that the total amount of donations collected through its urgent relief campaign to support the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip has reached KD 6,546,078 (approximately USD 21.4 million). The three-day campaign concluded on Tuesday evening. Ministry spokesperson Yousef Saif told KUNA that the campaign was launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with participation from the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and several Kuwaiti charities and foundations. Saif noted that several entities made substantial contributions. The General Secretariat of Endowments donated KD 500,000 (around USD 1.6 million), while the Insan Charity Society contributed KD 1.5 million (about USD 4.9 million). Donations through the electronic link provided by the Ministry under the campaign title 'Kuwait by Your Side – A Response to Gaza' amounted to KD 2,515,795 (approximately USD 8.2 million), with 63,501 donors participating. Additional contributions included: The spokesperson emphasized that the relief campaign reflects Kuwait's ongoing humanitarian commitment and support for the Palestinian people. The initiative aimed to provide essential food supplies and other basic necessities to those affected in Gaza. In addition to monetary contributions, the campaign also accepted in-kind food donations following approved guidelines. Food supplies are being purchased exclusively from the Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 1461. The Kuwait Red Crescent is coordinating with relevant relief agencies in Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need.
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Zionists consider full Gaza takeover as more Palestinians die of hunger
Latest airstrikes take Palestinian death toll over 61,000 TEL AVIV: Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favors a complete military takeover of Gaza, media reported, and was to meet senior security officials on Tuesday to finalize a new strategy in the 22-month war. Mediation between Zionists and Palestinian militant group Hamas has collapsed despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire to ease hunger and appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Eight more people died of starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, Gaza's health ministry said, while another 79 died in the latest Zionist fire. Netanyahu was to meet Defense Minister I Katz and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to decide on a strategy to take to cabinet later this week, a Zionist official told Reuters. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu, would also be present. Zionist Channel 12, citing an official from Netanyahu's office, said the prime minister was leaning towards taking control of the entire territory. That would reverse a 2005 decision to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders, a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there. It was unclear, however, whether Netanyahu was foreseeing a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing hostages. The prime minister's office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report. 'It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Zionist entity,' Netanyahu told new recruits at a military base. 'We are not giving up on any of these missions.' On Saturday, Hamas released a video of Evyatar David, one of 50 hostages still held in Gaza, appearing emaciated in what seemed to be an underground tunnel. The images shocked many people and sparked international condemnation. Throughout the war, there has been sustained international pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages, of whom Zionist officials estimate 20 are believed to still be alive. Most hostages have been released during ceasefires following diplomatic negotiations. Zionists broke the last ceasefire. A Palestinian official said the threat of a full takeover of Gaza may be a tactic to pressure Hamas into concessions, while the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged foreign nations to take heed of the reports. 'The ministry urges countries and the international community to treat these leaks with utmost seriousness and to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether these leaks are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious,' it said. Zionist coalition government, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history, includes far-right politicians who advocate for the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland. Nearly two years of fighting in Gaza has strained the military, which has a small standing army and has had to repeatedly mobilize reservists. It has throughout the war pushed back against the idea of Zionists fully occupying Gaza. In a sign of differences between some members of ruling coalition and the military, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on X challenged military head Zamir to state he would comply with government directives even if a decision was made to take all of Gaza. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar then said the military chief must give his professional opinion, while Defense Minister Katz weighed in to say the military would professionally implement whatever policy the government set. Hunger The war was triggered when militants on October 7, 2023, attacked Zionist entity, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing 251 hostages. Zionist military response has devastated the tiny, crowded enclave, killing more than 61,000 people - mostly civilians - according to Palestinian health authorities. Zionist campaign has forced nearly all of Gaza's over 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor called last week an unfolding famine. Some 188 Palestinians, including 94 children, have died from hunger since the war began, according to Gaza authorities. A Zionist security official, in a briefing to reporters, acknowledged there may be hunger in some parts of Gaza but rejected reports of famine or starvation. On Tuesday, tanks pushed into central Gaza but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Palestinians living in the last quarter of territory where Zionists have not yet taken military control - via ground incursions or orders for civilians to leave - said any new push would be catastrophic. 'If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population,' said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant.- Reuters
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
5 years after Beirut port blast, Aoun promises justice
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday vowed justice and accountability five years after a catastrophic explosion at Beirut's port, as the investigating judge finished questioning defendants, a judicial official said. Nobody has been held accountable for the August 4, 2020 blast—one of the world's largest non-nuclear explosions, which devastated swathes of the Lebanese capital, killing more than 220 people and injuring over 6,500. Authorities have said the explosion was triggered by a fire in a warehouse where tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer had been stored haphazardly for years after arriving by ship, despite repeated warnings to senior officials. Judge Tarek Bitar resumed his investigation this year as Lebanon's balance of power shifted following a war between Zionist entity and Hezbollah that weakened the Iran-backed militant group, which had spearheaded a campaign for Bitar's resignation. Aoun said the Lebanese state 'is committed to uncovering the whole truth, no matter the obstacles or how high the positions' involved. 'The law applies to all, without exception,' Aoun said in a statement. Monday has been declared a day of national mourning, and rallies demanding justice are planned later in the day, converging on the port. 'The blood of your loved ones will not be in vain,' the president told victims' families, adding: 'Justice is coming, accountability is coming.' After resuming work following a more than two-year impasse, Bitar has finished questioning defendants and suspects, a judicial official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Those questioned include former prime minister Hassan Diab, as well as military and security officials, while several former ministers did not appear for questioning, the official said. Bitar is waiting for some procedures to be completed, including receiving responses from several Arab and European countries following a request for 'information on specific incidents', the official added, without elaborating. The judge will then finalize the investigation and refer the file to the public prosecution for its opinion before he issues an indictment, the official said. President Aoun said that 'we are working with all available means to ensure the investigations are completed with transparency and integrity'. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a former International Court of Justice judge, said on Sunday that knowing the truth and ensuring accountability were national issues, decrying decades of official impunity. Aoun and Salam took office earlier this year, in the wake of the Zionist-Hezbollah war, with both leaders pledging to uphold judicial independence. Officials named in the investigation had filed a flurry of lawsuits seeking to prevent it from going forward. Nobody is currently in custody over the case. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a joint statement on Monday that 'despite the resumption of the investigation, the road to justice remains littered with political and legal challenges'. They urged authorities to ensure a comprehensive, unobstructed investigation that establishes 'the facts and circumstances surrounding the explosion, encompassing the full chain of responsibility', whether domestic or international. Mariana Fodoulian from the association of victims' families said that 'for five years, officials have been trying to evade accountability, always thinking they are above the law.' 'We're not asking for anything more than the truth,' she told AFP. 'We won't stop until we get comprehensive justice.' — AFP
