Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s Remarks 20th Anniversary of Georgetown University Qatar

President Groves,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Thank you for this honor. 

I remember, back when we began our negotiations to bring Georgetown University to Qatar, we thought, oh, this will just take a year. Maybe a little more… Well… it took three years! I am delighted that it paid off, and we are here today celebrating 20 years.

At the Georgetown University Qatar launch, President Jack DeGioia spoke of the need to respond to “the challenges facing us in these extraordinary times”. I think we can say that today we find ourselves in an even more extraordinary time.

– A time when truths are too easily twisted into disinformation.

– A time when artificial intelligence tests the limits of real intelligence.

– A time that lends urgency to our commitment to stay true to our shared values – and our own faiths.

I am a person of profound faith. I also hold an unbreakable belief in the power of education. At Qatar Foundation, we are committed to balancing faith and education. This commitment to faith and faculty is shared by Georgetown University. This duality always reminds me of Jack DeGioia who truly embodied it. It is the guiding principle that unites us in our humanity, shielding us from the shadow of disinformation.

As we further cement the bonds that unite us, we must maintain our refusal to be confined by precedent and parameters. We must forge our own path, guided by the promise and potential of our young people. A path that leads to cross-cultural understanding, respect and collaboration. 

We are grateful to President Groves for building on the solid foundations of our partnership. Together we will inspire and nurture those who will have the courage to build bridges between nations and lead our world into a better future.

Thank you.