On November 9, 2012, The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, La Sapienza University of Rome, The Lebanese University inaugurated the third edition of The International Master Degree in ‘University Cooperation for Peace and Development’, implemented in collaboration with The Italian Development Cooperation Office in a ceremony which took place at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.
The Director of the International Relations Office, Mrs. Rima Mattar, inaugurated the ceremony saying that “… launching the third International Master Degree with 20 new students highlights the academic relevance in spreading peace and development at a time when it is necessary to solve conflicts through dialogue.” She added that this Master program is the fruit of the cooperation between the three institutions in order to promote a culture of peace among youth.
Professor Massimo Caneva, from La Sapienza University of Rome, took the floor and stated that “The World is living its time with wins and losses when the International Community is looking for a better future of peace and solidarity”, adding: “We believe that peace and solidarity are the fruits of persons personally engaged to promote human beings and their rights in everyday life.”
The Force Commander of UNIFIL, Lieutenant Colonel Brizi Ricardo, said that this Master program is a unique initiative, paving the way for students to broaden their vision towards peace, development and cooperation ethics. He added that “…UNIFIL embodies the importance of cooperation for peace-building. In fact, since 1978, the Italian contingent has spared no effort in trying to improve the lives of people in the South through close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
The representative of the President of the Lebanese University Adnan Sayed Hussein, Mrs. Philomene Nasr, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Lebanese University, indicated that the success of the students of the first two editions proves that youth of Lebanon have not lost hope and do not see their country as a land of conflicts and instability. Mrs. Nasr thanked the organizers and supporters of this program and wished the students success.
The President of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Reverend Father Hady Mahfouz mentioned the many activities and international conferences on current issues the University hosted during the week when this event was organized. Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Mahfouz reiterated the mission of the University “developing the human being, every human being without any discrimination in order to achieve human dignity.” He finished by thanking the Italian Government for its support for this Master program.
The Italian Ambassador in Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Giuseppe Morabito stated that “… In the current international context of increasing globalization and knowledge production, scientific and technological capacities, and the volume of information flow, are the factors that can determine the economic and social development of the countries.” Mr. Morabito continued by explaining the role of his country in supporting cooperation networks among universities and concluded by saying that “Lebanon can be the example of peace and tolerance in the Middle East, and a bridge for dialogue and cultural exchange.”
In the second part of the ceremony, Miss Georgette Tahchi, representing the students of the Lebanese University, spoke about the richness of the Master program; Mr. Maher Btaiche, representing the students of USEK, made his speech entitled “Becoming a Peacemaker”; and then, Mrs. Philomene Nasr, gave her speech on the topic “Peace and Development: Message for Friendship and Openness”. Finally, the Director of the Italian Cooperation Development Office, Mr. Guido Benevento, delivered a closing speech on the topic “Development Cooperation and Opportunities for Lebanese Youth.”