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
Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Tariffs are making US ‘great & rich' again, says Trump
US takes in $87 billion from tariffs in H1 2025 WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the sweeping tariffs he has imposed on nations around the world were making the country 'great & rich again' as governments raced to strike deals with Washington less than 24 hours before an August 1 deadline. 'Tariffs are making America GREAT & RICH Again,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform. 'ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE 'HOTTEST' COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,' he added. A day earlier, the US President imposed new tariffs to punish or favor several major trading partners—the latest round of sweeping measures that have roiled markets around the world. South Korea squeezed in at the last moment, securing agreement on a 15 percent tariff for exports to the United States—significantly below the 25 percent that Trump had earlier threatened to introduce. But Trump also announced crippling 50 percent tariffs on Brazil and a 25 percent levy on Indian exports, while warning Canada it would face trade repercussions for planning to recognize a Palestinian state. The 15 percent rate on Seoul—Washington's key security ally—was equivalent to levies determined from US trade deals with Japan and the European Union. MUMBAI: A broadcast screen of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is pictured in Mumbai on July 31, 2025, which shows India's exports with Russia while depicting news of US President Donald Trump unveiling sweeping new trade tariffs. -- AFP He added that South Korea had committed to investing $350 billion in the United States, as well as the purchase of '$100 billion worth' of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other energy sources. Seoul's presidential office said tariffs on automobiles—one of Seoul's key exports—would also stay at 15 percent. Trump hit Brazil with high tariffs as well as sanctions against the judge overseeing a trial of his far-right ally Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of attempting a coup in Latin America's biggest economy. But he delayed its implementation from Friday to August 6, and crucially exempted many products from the prohibitive levy, including orange juice, civil aircraft, iron ore and some energy products. The United States took in more revenue from tariffs in the first six months of 2025 than it did in all of 2024, according to data from the US Treasury compiled by AFP. The more than $87 billion in tariff revenue taken in through the end of June, compared with $79 billion collected in all of 2024, according to the latest monthly data published on Wednesday. Since his return to the White House US President Donald Trump tore up the US post-WWII economic policy playbook of favoring free trade, slapping tariffs on trading partners and on certain products like steel. The US has subsequently reached deals with a number of countries that will see considerably higher tariffs apply than were in place, but for the most part also considerably lower than the highest rates that Trump threatened to impose. The previous peak in tariffs was recorded in 2022 at $98 billion. In June, tariff revenue came in at $26.6 billion, almost four times the amount collected in January. Trump said Thursday that sweeping tariffs he has imposed on nations around the world were making the country 'great & rich again' as governments raced to strike deals with Washington less than 24 hours before an August 1 deadline.-AFP
Arab Times
8 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait rolls out relief drive for Gaza people
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched an urgent relief campaign to support the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. This campaign is in line with the directives of Kuwait's political leadership and reflects the country's firm and ongoing support for the Palestinian cause. The campaign is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and involves the participation of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) along with several charitable organizations. Iman Al-Enezi, the acting Director of the Charitable Associations and Foundations Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs, announced that the collection of financial donations has been approved for three days, starting Sunday, August 3, through the official online platforms of the participating relief organizations. She explained that the ministry has authorized the collection of in-kind food donations beginning Thursday, July 31, for the remaining charities, under established guidelines and regulations. The participating charities and foundations are required to purchase food supplies exclusively from the Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company, under Cabinet Resolution No. 1461. Approved charities are permitted to place their official labels on the aid packages, and all in-kind donations must be delivered to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), which will coordinate their transfer to the appropriate relief agencies in Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine. The ministry does not allow the launch of new financial donation campaigns outside the designated framework. Funding is limited to existing relief project balances or personal contributions from the participating charities. Al-Enezi affirmed that Kuwaiti charitable work represents a core pillar of the state's foreign policy and conveys a consistent message that reflects the values of Kuwaiti society and its long-standing tradition of humanitarian support.
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Bilateral relations with Kuwait model of Arab cooperation: Moroccan envoy
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: Moroccan Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Ben Issa has affirmed that the presence of Minister of Social, Childhood and Family Affairs Dr. Amthal Al- Huwailah at the Moroccan Throne Day celebration 'is an embodiment of the good and strong relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Kuwait.' In a press statement during the Moroccan Embassy's celebration of the 26th anniversary of the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne, Issa asserted that relations between the two countries are historic, covering all aspects of cooperation and friendship between the brotherly peoples and leaders of the two countries. He underscored the need for these strong relations 'to raise the level of economic, trade and investment cooperation to the level of political relations.' He clarified that there are existing agreements between the two countries and ongoing cooperation, but they need to be activated. He added, 'We are working hard in this regard, in coordination with various Kuwaiti institutions.' Talking about tourism, he revealed that the Kingdom of Morocco has achieved very good results in attracting tourists. He said 17.5 million tourists visited Morocco last year, including 23,000 Kuwaiti tourists, compared to the previous number of around 16,000 or 17,000. He stated that the increase in the number of Kuwait Airways flights to Morocco to four per week is evidence of the high demand for this destination. On investments, he emphasized that Kuwaiti investments in Morocco have existed for a long time and continue to exist. He confirmed that Morocco is keen on renovating its structures to attract more investments, especially from Arab countries and Kuwait in particular. He added, 'There are conditions that encourage Kuwaiti investors from the public and private sectors to invest in Morocco, and trade exchange continues to grow. We intend to develop them to a higher level.'
