Resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose defined Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s Class of 2026, as graduates were celebrated for overcoming challenges and preparing to address complex global issues.
University leaders and faculty said the group showed strong resilience amid regional and global uncertainty, adding that they are well prepared to face an increasingly complex world.
Logan Cochran, acting dean of the College of Public Policy, emphasised that the university’s mission extends beyond academic achievement.
“The College of Public Policy is committed to supporting future leaders,” he said. “We want our graduates to bring not only knowledge and skills, but also ethics and principles, courage and humility... so they can respond to the rapidly changing challenges around the world and do so serving the greater good.”
Cochran noted that the graduating semester had been particularly demanding.
“Our students persevered... they were dedicated to their studies despite the challenges they faced,” he said, adding that graduates leave with “traits of resilience” that will guide them throughout their lives.
Echoing this sentiment, Provost Prabhat Hajela described the cohort as “remarkable” in the face of adversity.
“We are all aware of the problems that we have faced both regionally and globally over the last several months,” he said. “This cohort has demonstrated a resilience that is really remarkable... in spite of everything that’s going on.”
Hajela underscored the importance of adaptability and critical thinking, noting that students have learned how to navigate uncertainty.
“You now know how to think,” he told graduates. “Stay true to your values... go out and create momentum and bring change to the world.”
He underlined the HBKU’s distinctive academic environment, describing it as “an ecosystem... unparalleled” with strong interdisciplinary opportunities and a focus on applying knowledge to real-world challenges.
From a faculty perspective, Sultan Barakat stressed that continuous learning remains central to the university’s philosophy.
“Hamad Bin Khalifa is a learning university; we’re continuously updating ourselves and striving for the best,” he said, noting that each cohort builds on the experience of the last.
Barakat pointed to the broader context shaping this year’s graduates.
“This year has been particularly challenging because of the geopolitics around us,” he said. “I’m very proud of what the students have been able to achieve under relatively difficult circumstances.”
He outlined key lessons for graduates, including “the importance of remaining resilient” and “the importance of learning continuously”. He added that “there is no time where you can stop learning”.
For students, the journey has been equally transformative.
Aisha Muthanna al-Malsouk, who graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Policy, highlighted the importance of self-belief.
“I would say believe in yourself, listen to the voice inside you, and just follow your dreams,” she said. “As long as you have a big goal, you will achieve it.”
Reflecting on her experience, she described her orientation day as a defining moment.
“It was that day when I was 100% sure that this is what I want to do,” al-Malsouk said.
