CMU president praises Qatar’s education initiatives

By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

Qatar has responded very vigorously and positively to the need for greater educational opportunity than any other country, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) president Dr Subra Suresh said yesterday.

He was speaking at an event held to mark the 10th anniversary of CMU’s Qatar branch campus in Education City, Qatar Foundation.

“Higher education and governments are awakening to the need for greater educational opportunity and many are taking action. But I can think of no other nation, which has responded as vigorously and imaginatively as Qatar,” Dr Suresh said.

He also highlighted the role played by Qatar Foundation in promoting education in the region, saying: “HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, has been inspirational in the evolution of collaborative efforts.  Her deep and abiding belief in opening up new educational opportunities has been realised at Education City, which is a model for the world.”

Further, Dr Suresh said through many activities, including the Educate A Child programme, she is recognised as one of the world’s most prominent and tireless ambassadors for education as the best way to build a strong, responsive and innovative society for all people.

“The story of Education City has been a powerful example for the entire world, and the world has taken notice of this success. Carnegie Mellon University was proud to join with Qatar Foundation in establishing this campus 10 years ago to build higher educational capacity in Qatar and the region. By any measure, this campus has exceeded our optimistic expectations,” he added.

The official said 298 graduates from CMUQ are already making important contributions in companies, organisations and communities around the region and the world. “But the benefits have gone beyond that: this campus has also created living connections among faculty, students and graduates across Carnegie Mellon’s global network, sharing research projects, classes, student exchanges and outreach activities.”