Mrs. Lulwa al-Mullah, a leading activist and Secretary General of the Womens Cultural and Social Society, graciously hosted the event for the Asian University for Women in her country of Kuwait.
FULL TEXT OF SPEECH (English):
Distinguished guests,
Allow me to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for your participation in this evening's events, introducing the Asian University for Women; an institution that exists as a direct result of a vast global humanitarian effort, and boundless creativity.
It is the outcome of a far reaching collaboration between prominent Universities, Charities, financial institutions, local community organizations, and active international figures that the Asian University has seen the light of day.
Not in our wildest dreams could we have envisioned that the selfless contributions of these organizations and individuals, representing a true global initiative extending from the United States to the United Kingdom and Denmark, and reaching as far as Japan and China, would give rise to a Woman's university in Bangladesh.
Our world is getting smaller. The advances in technology and communication are constantly bringing the people of the world closer than we could have ever imagined. But with these rapid advances, there is a growing rift between the developed nations, which have become more advanced and wealthy, and the developing countries, most of which has fallen desperately behind.
Half of the world's population now live on less than two dollars a day. Furthermore, the latest United Nations statistics reveal the extent of underdevelopment in education in the developing world, especially in their female populations. For example, according to a survey conducted in 2000, 87% of Afghani women above the age of 15 are illiterate. In 2007, illiteracy among women in the same category reached 60% in both Pakistan and Yemen, 54% in Algeria, 52% in Bangladesh, 43% in Morocco, 42% in Egypt and 36% in Iraq.
This grim state of affairs is undeniably dragging our communities behind. It is a major culprit in the instability of our region, and it threatens us all. We have to bear our share of responsibility in confronting this issue.
Ladies & gentlemen,
We believe that the road to eradicating underdevelopment begins with the promotion of high quality education in our communities. And it is the aim of the Asian University for Women to begin paving this road by affording women the opportunity to receive a quality education, and enabling them to gain the necessary skills to create future generations of community leaders. The AUW targets students from regions where educational opportunities are severely impoverished due to financial disadvantages, and the selection process is based on both academic achievement and strength of character. Once enrolled, the students receive their education, as well as food accommodations, all free of charge. This is made possible with the assistance of some of the world's most prestigious learning institutions, such as Stanford University in California, Imperial College of London, and Aalborg University in Copenhagen.
Two months ago, I visited the University in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Although the campus was still in development, what I saw was nothing less than a testament to the power of sheer will and determination in transforming dreams into reality. During my visit, I was witness to a vibrant academic body, driven by the desire for academic excellence, personal growth and independence. Some of the students devoted their free time to reach out beyond the confines of the campus and assist in teaching those less fortunate in the surrounding areas.
Bangladesh has bestowed upon the world extraordinary figures, such as Mr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, and recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.
Today, Bangladesh has given us Mr. Kamal Ahmad. A man who has dedicated his life to bringing together the efforts of countless entities to create this ground-breaking model of a new university. A university model that could be beneficially recreated in our Arab world, to instill hope in the lives of those of us that have lost hope, and contribute to the growth and stability of our nations.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
While in Chittagong, I felt honored and happy to be a part of this universal humanitarian effort and I remembered how much we need each other in this small world. I would be even happier if you all join me...
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5:30
Kuwait Lifeby binoykoshy8018,954 views
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