Speech: Tribute by the Rector, Professor António Rendas honoring His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussaini, Prince Aga Khan at the conclusion of the Honorary Doctorate ceremony at the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa awarded the Honorary Doctorate to His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussaini, Prince Aga Khan at a ceremony held at the Rectory on July 20.
Leading to the conclusion of the honorary doctoral ceremony, an inspiring tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan was delivered by the Rector of the university, Professor António Rendas, who warmly welcomed His Highness to the NOVA family, “Now that you are a member of our academic community … I hope you are willing to consider Lisbon and particularly NOVA University as a partner in making the world better with more knowledge, more culture, more social development and, above all, peace for men and women of good will.”
“… What a privilege for a Rector, or a President, to be able to support such an outstanding endeavour. But, above all, what an exceptional moment we are living today paying tribute to the world leader who masterminded and nurtured this project, for the benefit of mankind: His Highness the Prince Karim al Hussaini Agan Khan IV.
As Founder and Chairman of the AKDN, the Aga Khan is truly the centre of a human chain of solidarity which crosses continents bringing progress and innovation to mankind regardless of gender, origin and religion.
The Diamond Jubilee of His Highness, which is celebrated this year, started in 11 July, at Aiglemont, and today ́s ceremony is indeed, symbolically, a tribute to this celebration and we are very happy, at NOVA University, that we can receive the Shia Ismaili Muslims Community for this event. It is indeed a privilege that it occurs so close to the beginning of a year of milestone announcements by the
Aga Khan for a global commitment to partnerships based on the principles of ethics in action, pluralism and peace.
NOVA University, as an academic, but also as social institution, believes in the role of partnerships to improve the progress of science and education for the benefit of society at large. However, we humbly feel that the road to achieve these goals is a long one because ethics, pluralism and peace are like trees that need to be watered every day. The inspiration of our Laureate is, surely, one of the lighthouses that will help us in our pathway.
Professor António Rendas, Rector of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. (image credit: Presidencia.pt)
Your Highness, I sincerely hope that you feel at home in Portugal and that you feel that Portugal is also part of your home. Now that you are a member of our academic community and also, we hope very soon, a neighbour to this campus, I hope you are willing to consider Lisbon and particularly NOVA University as a partner in making the world better with more knowledge, more culture, more social development and, above all, peace for men and women of good will.
Ismailimail 