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National News
30-04-2025
- Health
- National News
AUB to Award Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Christiana Figueres, Raif Geha, and Philip Khoury in May
NNA - President of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Fadlo Khuri announced that during AUB's 156th commencement exercises on May 30, 2025, the university will confer its highest honor—the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters—on three exceptional leaders whose work has had an enduring impact in service across global domains. "By honoring these luminaries, we reaffirm AUB's unwavering commitment to the values they embody and inspire. Their resolute dedication in advocating knowledge discovery and exchange, their excellence in service of humankind, and their steadfastness in the face of adversity reflect the very mission of our university," Khuri said. He continued presenting: "trailblazer in climate diplomacy Christiana Figueres, esteemed physician-scientist Raif Geha, and eminent historian Philip Khoury." "Christiana Figueres is a global leader in climate action. As UNFCCC executive secretary, she rebuilt trust and united 195 nations behind the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. She co-founded Global Optimism and co-authored The Future We Choose, advocating "stubborn optimism." She also co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism, where activists, scientists, and policymakers explore climate change challenges. In recent years, she has championed integrating financial investment and nature conservation to achieve sustainable outcomes for both the planet and the economy. Her honors include the UN Champion of the Earth Award, France's Legion d'Honneur, and a UK Damehood." "Dr. Raif S. Geha (BS General '65, MD '69), James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, is a world-recognized allergist, immunologist, and clinician who has advanced the understanding of immunodeficiency and allergic diseases. He transformed the Boston Children's Hospital into a global center for excellence in pediatric immunology and is renowned for identifying the genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies and studies in the mechanisms of eczema. He established the International Consortium for Immune Deficiency, a network of more than 35 centers in 25 countries aimed at advancing research and clinical care of patients with immunodeficiency." "Dr. Philip S. Khoury, chairman emeritus of the American University of Beirut Board of Trustees, is one of the preeminent historians of the last two centuries of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Among the most renowned scholars of the modern Middle East, he holds the Ford International Professorship of History at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also serves as vice provost. Over his transformative career, he has made significant contributions to the academic discourse and held influential roles at prominent institutions, earning numerous fellowships and honors. He has been instrumental in AUB's exceptional growth and resilience, leading its distinguished board for 15 years. An advocate for academic freedom, social justice, and geopolitical participation, his work continues to shape the intellectual landscape and foster global change." "We proudly welcome these inspirational role models to the distinguished community of AUB's honorary degree recipients—people who lead with purpose, drive progress, and commit to building a just and sustainable future. The American University of Beirut and its community thank them for their dedication toward creating a better world and improving lives worldwide," Khuri concluded. ==========R.H.
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Are pre-schoolers too young to be taught about sustainability?
Educating children about sustainability may be a daunting task as they may not have the literacy skills or awareness to grasp complex topics. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO It is the year 2050, and imagine if worst-case climate scenarios have come true. Face masks have become necessary to combat rampant air pollution. Noxious fumes poison the outside world, and the forests that once helped to absorb carbon dioxide are engulfed in wildfire. For about 45 days a year, temperatures soar to above 60 deg C in the hottest parts of the world, making it impossible to stay outside for more than six hours at a time. Thankfully, this apocalyptic future is still a projection outlined by Paris climate accords negotiators Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac in their 2020 book The Future We Choose. But if emissions are not curbed, it could become reality for our children, who will be in the prime of their lives in 2050. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
