The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration, as well as further enhance awareness and advocate for refugees and those forcibly displaced worldwide. 

The agreement aims to enhance research and reinforce institutional capacities to promote humanitarian values through information sharing, capacity-building, and organizing joint activities throughout the academic year. 

“This partnership is not only a milestone in HBKU’s vision, represented by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), but also a commitment to support UNHCR and its people of concern, through research and active engagement. It is another step forward in our journey to achieve positive impact at the global level and it showcases the applied nature and relevance of our academic activities to current global affairs,” said Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, Dean of CIS, HBKU. 

UNHCR Qatar Representative, Ayat El Dewary, commended HBKU’s humanitarian role, stating: “We are proud of our partnership with HBKU, as we join efforts to encourage engagement and enhance awareness on the plight of refugees and global displacement crises.” 

The memorandum builds on previous collaborations between UNHCR and HBKU, including the ‘Maker Majlis’ event organized by HBKU’s CIS on World Refugee Day, focusing on the necessity to expand academic research on forced displacement crises and solutions. 

Collaborating with universities and academic institutions is a strategic approach that offers infinite opportunities in today’s digital world - to enhance awareness among the student body, encourage community engagement, and expand academic research, while focusing on innovative solutions for today’s global challenges, be it climate change, global philanthropy or issues of displacement.