Latest news with #UniversityofLeicester
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Sheikha Bodour becomes first honorary professor of UK's University of Leicester
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has told of her mission to inspire others after receiving the first honorary professorship bestowed by the UK's University of Leicester. , who serves as president of the American University of Sharjah and is part of the emirate's ruling family, was recognised for her efforts to champion women's empowerment and child literacy, and to promote cultural development regionally and across the globe. The title of honorary professor was conferred at a ceremony held at the University of Leicester's School of Business. During her visit she spoke to students and faculty members, and took part in a discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research. 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me,' said Sheikha Bodour. 'In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. "It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honour encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.' It is the latest notable achievement in a distinguished career dedicated to improving lives through learning and culture. She is the founder and chief executive of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As head of the organisation she has delivered key literacy projects and helped to broaden access to reading resources in 31 countries. She also played a pivotal role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled. She founded the Emirates Publishers' Association in 2009, which gained full membership of International Publishers' Association three years later. In 2020, she became the first woman in the Arab world to be appointed President of the IPA. Sheikha Bodour has also been a driving force behind sharing Sharjah's rich culture with the world. She served as ambassador for the successful Unesco World Heritage site bid for the Faya Palaeolandscape. The ancient desert location in central Sharjah features one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back more than 210,000 years. The University of Leicester honour reflects her wider efforts to promote gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at the American University of Sharjah, in collaboration with Nama Women Advancement Establishment – the UAE's first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development. Under her leadership, the university has launched six new research centres in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Arab and Islamic studies, while expanding scholarship support for students with disabilities and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Rwanda's Kagame appoints central banker as new prime minister
President Paul Kagame has replaced Rwanda's long-serving prime minister, naming the deputy governor of the central bank, who was once pardoned for a corruption conviction, to the role responsible for the government's day-to-day operations. The appointment of Justin Nsengiyumva, the former prime secretary at the education ministry who holds a PhD in economics from the University of Leicester, was announced by the office of the government spokesperson in a post on X late on Wednesday. The post did not say why the incumbent, Edouard Ngirente, was dropped. Ngirente, who had been prime minister since 2017, thanked Kagame on X, writing: "This journey has been deeply enriching." Kagame appointed Nsengiyumva as deputy governor at the National Bank of Rwanda earlier this year. Nsengiyumva's official biography says he has worked for the British government, including as senior economist for the Office of Rail and Road. Prior to his work in the UK, Nsengiyumva served as permanent secretary at Rwanda's education ministry. In 2008, while serving in that role, he was arrested for alleged corruption and later convicted, according to the state-owned New Times newspaper. Kagame pardoned him in March 2023 alongside 380 others in unrelated cases, the New Times reported. A Rwandan government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Rwanda last held elections in 2024 when Kagame was re-elected with 99.18% of the vote, extending his near quarter-century in office.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour AlQasimi conferred Leicester's 1st honorary professorship
On July 25, Sheikha Bodour visited the University of Leicester School of Business, where she was formally conferred the title during an official ceremony at the Brookfield Campus. The title was presented by Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business. During her visit, Sheikha Bodour engaged with students and faculty and participated in a dedicated discussion on museum studies and cultural sector research, further underscoring her commitment to advancing cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration. A global leader in publishing and education, Sheikha Bodour has led transformative efforts to expand access to books, knowledge and inclusive learning. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalimat Group, which has published more than 500 titles in over 15 countries, with a focus on socially conscious Arabic children's literature and inclusive storytelling. As Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, she has delivered literacy and accessibility initiatives in 31 countries and played a key role in the UAE's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled . She is also the Founder of the Emirates Publishers Association and the UAE Board on Books for Young People and previously served as President of the International Publishers Association, becoming the first Arab woman and only the second woman in its history to hold the post since 1896. 'This recognition from the University of Leicester is deeply meaningful to me,' said Sheikha Bodour. 'In Sharjah, we believe that education is one of the most powerful ways to build cultural bridges and foster mutual understanding. It is through knowledge, inclusion and service to others that we create lasting impact. I hope this honor encourages others, especially young women, to believe in their ideas, claim their space and lead with purpose.' Professor Dan Ladley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Head of College and Executive Dean of the School of Business, said: 'The University of Leicester is delighted to welcome Sheikha Bodour to its family. She embodies the values of the University---inclusive, inspiring and impactful---in her commitment to empower others through education, entrepreneurship and publishing, her unequivocal focus on equality and inclusion and her passion for making this world a better place. The first Arab woman to become president of the International Publishers Association and a champion of gender equity in higher education and women in leadership roles, Sheikha Bodour is leading the way for women on a global scale.' In her drive to champion women leadership in publishing, Sheikha Bodour established Publis H er, a global movement advocating for women's leadership in the industry. Since its launch, it has gained remarkable momentum, creating safe, inclusive spaces for women in publishing to connect, collaborate and rise. Complementing this commitment to inclusivity, she also led the International Sustainable Publishing and Industry Resilience initiative, which supported the publishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped build more adaptive, future-ready systems across the industry. She also chaired the committee behind Sharjah's designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 and led the establishment of the House of Wisdom, a landmark cultural center fostering knowledge, dialogue and innovation. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, she continues to elevate Sharjah's global standing through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Booksellers Conference and Sharjah Publishing City. Sheikha Bodour has advocated for diversity, freedom to publish, literacy and youth development through platforms including UNESCO's World Book Capital Cities Network and the World Economic Forum, where she became the first Emirati woman to co-chair the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, and chaired the Regional Business Council for the Middle East and North Africa. Her recognition by the University of Leicester also reflects her broader efforts in promoting equity and academic excellence. Since being appointed President of AUS in 2023, Sheikha Bodour has championed gender equity in higher education, ensuring increased representation of women in leadership roles. She spearheaded the establishment of the 'Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Chair in Women's Leadership' at AUS, in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment---the UAE's first endowed chair dedicated to women's leadership and development. Under her leadership, AUS has launched six new research centers in fields including artificial intelligence, sustainability and Arab and Islamic studies, while expanding scholarship support for students with disabilities and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Sheikha Bodour's work also extends to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), she has supported over 150 startups that have raised $128 million in investment and created more than 1,400 jobs. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), she has led strategic projects across sectors including tourism, sustainability, healthcare and the cultural economy. At the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, she oversees a $150 million initiative that has attracted over 2,000 companies and more than $100 million in research investment across renewable energy, agritech, mobility and immersive technologies. Sheikha Bodour holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London. Her career continues to blend public service, entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy, reinforcing AUS as a center of research and inclusion while shaping global conversations on education, publishing and leadership.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jackie 'O' Henderson reveals shock toilet confession: 'I can't sit there doing nothing'
Jackie 'O' Henderson has made a shock bathroom confession. The radio queen, 50, admitted on Friday's The Kyle and Jackie O Show that she always takes her mobile phone with her when she goes to the toilet. 'There's no better place to hang out than the bathroom, because no one can come join you or talk to you,' Jackie told her co-host Kyle Sandilands. 'You get that true alone time. Peace and quiet for once! I just sit there on my phone for ten minutes, locked in a bathroom.' Jackie added she never makes a bathroom trip without her mobile phone in her hand. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I can't go to the toilet without my phone. It's like I go, "Oh I can't sit here doing nothing",' she quipped. Taking your phone to the toilet may keep you entertained while you do your business, but last month Mail+ revealed it is not always safe to do so. It was reported that this common habit can turn your device into a haven for dangerous microorganisms, a scientist warned. Dr Primrose Freestone, professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, said faecal bacteria can easily reach your phone in the bathroom. This includes E. coli, which can result in nasty diarrhea and stomach cramps, and Pseudomonas, which causes infections in the blood and lungs. Even after you've washed your hands with soap, these bugs can travel back to your hands once you touch your phone again. As a result, phones should be kept out of the toilet altogether, and regularly sanitised with alcohol wipes. 'The phone will at some point get contaminated, so periodically disinfecting your phone is a good idea,' she told MailOnline. The radio queen revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that she always takes her mobile phone with her when she goes to the toilet It comes after Jackie revealed what started her painkiller addiction. On Thursday, the presenter was chatting to KIIS FM's Dr Sam Hay about the nature of addiction and told Kyle & Jackie O listeners she began taking painkillers to help cope with a problem that many women experience. 'I got addicted because I got prescribed Endone. I was prescribed for a true pain that I was experiencing because I was going to the hospital every month with my endometriosis,' Jackie began. Endometriosis is a painful condition affecting many women, where tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other parts of the body, often causing cramps, fatigue and fertility issues. Jackie added she was prescribed the powerful painkiller Endone - another name for Oxycodone - to help manage the issue but soon became dependent on it. 'It just got so out of control, I had to go to the hospital to get morphine. And then so they prescribed the Endone as a way to manage it,' she said. 'It is dangerous. When they handed me the drug they said, "it's so addictive. Be really careful." And it really, really is. 'I took those pills and thought, "I'll be fine." And I realised you're not fine because they are so addictive.'
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Rwandan President Kagame appoints new prime minister
KIGALI, July 24 (Reuters) - Rwandan President Paul Kagame has replaced the country's prime minister, naming the deputy governor of the central bank to the role without explaining the decision. The appointment of Justin Nsengiyumva, a former British government worker who holds a PhD in economics from the University of Leicester, was announced by the office of the government spokesperson in a post on X late on Wednesday. The post did not say why the incumbent, Edouard Ngirente, was dropped. Ngirente, who had been prime minister since 2017, thanked Kagame on X, but did not elaborate on the reasons for his departure. "This journey has been deeply enriching," he said. In Rwanda, the prime minister is the head of government and is responsible for the running of the government's day-to-day operations. Rwanda last held elections in 2024 when Kagame was re-elected with 99.18% of the vote, extending his near quarter-century in office.
