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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and The Hague Institute for Global Justice signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, February 9th. The MoU promotes cooperation in the exchange of knowledge, executive programs, student opportunities, and the expansion of shared research programs, with the goal of contributing towards peace, security, and justice.
The agreement was signed by HBKU President, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of HBKU, and Dr. David Connolly, The Hague Institute’s Head of Research.
It establishes a framework for the two parties to develop international partnerships that enable collaboration on academic programs, research and professional development across a range of fields that include conflict prevention, rule of law, and global governance. Specific areas may include climate adaptation, human security, peace building, and international law. It also opens the prospect of internships in research and communication, fellowships on priority topics, exchange of scholars, specialized training, and capacity building.
Dr. Hasnah noted: “At HBKU, we value the significance in building synergies with international partners, to help inspire and benefit the Qatari community towards discovering innovative solutions that respond to regional and global challenges. Our collaboration with The Hague Institute for Global Justice will explore different opportunities in education by utilizing the institute’s interdisciplinary policy-relevant research and experts.”
Dr. Connolly said: “Chief among our priorities at The Hague Institute is sharing knowledge among practitioners, academics, students and policy-makers globally with the aim of informing policy recommendations and improving best practice. HBKU shares this important pillar of our mission and we are eager to partner on teaching and research activities in Qatar and the Middle East - a region at the forefront of innovation, despite significant political transitions and volatility. Provided with educational and capacity building opportunities, people drive social, economic and political change. HBKU and The Hague Institute together will endeavour to promote the role of education and research in developing good leadership and innovation in the Middle East, Europe and beyond.”
The HBKU President added: “The MoU will allow both institutions to cooperate in educational and research areas. Our students and faculty will benefit from the expertise of The Hague Institute in the area of international law and human rights.” He said each party of the MoU will nominate two members for a committee to design a clear and long-term plan to implement activities of mutual interest. “We are looking forward to working with The Hague Institute.”
Dr. Connolly added: "We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Qatar in the fields of research, training, education, and study trips. This could begin with a series of roundtable discussions with staff and students from both institute to address some of the critical issues surrounding peace and justice at the local, regional and international levels, which would be of added value to Qatar and The Hague Institute."
Those interested in learning more about HBKU should visit hbku.edu.qa.