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Personal reflections offered by the South African Ambassador to Qatar
Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary legacy and enduring impact on global leadership and human rights were the subject of a public lecture organized by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS).
Held at Education City’s Minaretein, From Prisoner to President: A Journey of Peace and Leadership told the story of the former South African president from his time as a freedom fighter to his incarceration and eventual rise to head of state. In doing so, the lecture explored Mandela's unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and leadership, highlighting the lessons his journey offers for today's world. The lecture’s guest speaker, His Excellency Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the State of Qatar, also offered his personal reflections on a key architect of his country’s modern history.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Bisera Turkovic, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia, HE Ambassador M. Jean-Marie François Jr. Guillaume, Ambassador of Haiti to the State of Qatar, HE Ambassador Mohammed Nurudeen Ismaila, Ambassador of The Republic of Ghana to the State of Qatar. Together with HE Asmal, they exchanged insights on Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy.
Speaking after the lecture, Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean, CIS, remarked: “It was an honor to host His Excellency for a conversation on a figure whose unique contributions to leadership and human rights continue to resonate around the world. The lecture also reflects our college’s determination to hear perspectives from different faiths and values systems on matters of shared global concern.”
Further information on CIS events and insights can be accessed here.
