THE initiative to establish the first specialised environmental studies university, Euro University, in Bahrain in cooperation with the University of Hanover, is a step closer towards greater cooperation between Bahrain and Germany, writes Mehmood Rafique.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who along with the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, laid the foundation stone of Euro University in Aa'li yesterday, said that Bahrain and Germany enjoy cordial relations in all vital sectors. "This initiative will pave the way for the transfer of expertise and technology for both sides." The ceremony was attended by ministers, diplomats, educators and members of the German Chancellor's entourage. Euro University will be built at a cost of approximately 100 million euros, and will be the first university in the Middle East specialising in environmental science, representing a truly forward-thinking vision by supporters of the institution.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, honorary president of Euro University, said that though the Kingdom of Bahrain is a small group of islands in the Arabian Gulf, it has played a prominent role in the Middle East and Asian community throughout the course of time. The university will be completed by early 2007.
"The country's modern infrastructure is no longer based solely on oil but on an emerging and diversified economic base that includes Bahrain as the longtime offshore banking and investment centre of the Middle East. Bahrain will once again take the lead in environmental and scientific programmes in the GCC and Arab region with the establishment of the region's first university to specialise in the environmental sciences."
Shaikh Abdullah thanked His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for his support and vision for this project, reflecting once again his genuine commitment in providing a strong future for the Kingdom's next generation. "The Prime Minister has likewise shown solid support through his authorisation of a licence for Euro University and his kind patronage of today's event.
"Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's recent call for Bahrain to think big is reflected in his support of today's launch of the Euro University. There is a growing interest from Arabs in the environment, and the region has seen an increase in funding for environmental research projects.
"The way forward is to be focused on improving both Bahrain and the regional Middle East environment. Euro University is a positive platform that will see both educational programmes and the provision of research and consulting services from premier international environment professionals and corporations with a focus on environmental initiatives in the region," Shaikh Abdullah said.
"From its international experience, the University of Hanover can especially contribute in the field of water-management systems in terms of both educational programmes and research," Shaikh Abdullah said. "Bahrain has always been at the forefront in education. In 1919 the first government-sponsored school in the region opened in Bahrain.
"This school attracted students from the Middle East with the result that many GCC ministers and senior executives received their education in Bahrain. Now once again Bahrain is taking a leadership role with the establishment of the first university in the region specialising in environmental science.
"It is a pioneering step for the Kingdom of Bahrain to host the main campus for Euro University. The private-sector initiative of investing in higher education reflects keenly a commitment towards our future generations, ensuring that they can face globalisation with confidence and benefit from the opportunities created by this university.
"Bahrain has always been a pioneering country in spearheading new initiatives in different fields," Dr Ahmed Al Janahi, chairman of the Euro University founding committee, said. "And in particular in the field of education. It's enjoyed the oldest educational system in the region which started a century ago, and we're continuing this early momentum by establishing this university in the region which should allow Bahrain to lead international and regional initiatives in the field of environment in the Arab region," he said.
"The unlimited support of His Majesty the King in establishing this university was reflected in his directives to allocate this plot of land as the main campus for the university. His Majesty's strong support reflects his forward-looking vision and his caring attitude towards the new generation and his people and his will to keep them in touch with the latest scientific discoveries in the world. Shaikh Khalifa is considered the leader of education as we know it in Bahrain.
© Bahrain Tribune 2005
