The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), hosted His Excellency Dr. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Kuwait and the State of Qatar, for a talk organized for the HBKU community on April 28 in the run-up to Europe Day. 

The European Union (EU) celebrates peace and unity in Europe on May 9 every year, and in this context, H.E. Dr. Tudor’s talk focused on the EU as the most successful integration project in the world and its role in a globalized world from human rights to humanitarian assistance. 

Explaining the history of the day and its significance, he said: “I am delighted to celebrate Europe Day with the students and faculty of HBKU. On this occasion. Europe Day commemorates the historic Robert Schuman Declaration in 1950, considered as the first concrete step towards genuine European integration that helped end wars and conflict in Europe. On this occasion, I am pleased to exchange views on the European Union as the most successful peace project in the world. Seventy-one years later, the European Union brings together 27 Member States from across the European continent, forming a truly unique political and economic union.” 

H.E. Dr. Cristian Tudor is the first EU ambassador based in Kuwait and one of the youngest EU ambassadors in the world. Emphasizing youth engagement, he said: “Engaging, connecting and empowering young people is at the heart of the EU Youth Strategy and we look forward to further engagement with Qatari youth through EU study abroad programs, joint scientific collaborations, and exchanges to unearth human potential and strengthen people-to-people understanding.”

The event was attended by HBKU graduate students, faculty members, and researchers and members of the EU Services and EU Member States. The Q&A session was an opportunity for the audience to address topical issues and share ideas on international cooperation around common challenges. 

Speaking after the event, Dr. Amal Al-Malki, founding dean of CHSS, said: “Our appreciation goes to H.E. the Ambassador for speaking frankly about the continent’s future in the context of global challenges. Ahead of Europe Day, we are fortunate to celebrate Qatar’s historical relations with all European states, while HBKU and CHSS count among our esteemed partners several leading educational institutions and organizations from across Europe. We look forward to building on those relationships. As H.E. rightfully noted, it is a time to embrace people-to-people understanding, and higher education and research will always create important avenues for academic communities to work together in overcoming cultural and linguistic challenges to achieving that goal.”

CHSS regularly holds events to highlight its research activities and projects, more details can be found at chss.hbku.edu.qa. For more information about the European Delegation to the State of Kuwait and the State of Qatar, visit www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/kuwait