SOURCE: THE JORDAN TIMES

BY: JT

AMMAN — In recognition of his prominent social status and notable role in the fields of science and knowledge, Harvard University hosted Talal Abu-Ghazaleh to deliver a keynote speech at its Boston-based Kennedy school, in a front of an audience comprised of Arab students from the university.

His remarks focused on the future of knowledge, methods for creating learning societies and knowledge economies in the Arab world and the potential contribution of Harvard’s Arab students towards this goal, a statement by the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation (TAG-Org) said.

Introducing himself as “an avid knowledge advocate”, Abu-Ghazaleh stressed that his dream has always been to help his fellow Arabs and enable Arab countries to transform into knowledge societies and creative nations as the sole solution to their problems and the only way to build a prosperous future through which they can regain their role as history makers.

He pointed out that the Arab world is “bracing for an era of renaissance”, stressing that such a goal can only be achieved through effectively tapping potentials and resources. This would enable the Arab people to rebuild their countries after the devastation that struck during the years of the so-called “Arab Spring”, dubbed by Abu-Ghazaleh as “Arab destruction”. 

He called for devising and implementing a “Marshall Plan of Knowledge for the Arab World”, modelled after the economic project announced by former US secretary of state, George Marshall, for the reconstruction of Europe after WWII, announced during a speech the secretary of state delivered at Harvard University.

Abu-Ghazaleh outlined his project to create a specialised university for inventors, with the graduation requirement being the creation of a practicable invention by each student, the statement said. 

He told Arab students about his keenness to launch a global prize for knowledge targeting Arab countries as a means to support creative individuals.

The TAG-Org founder cited a total of 300 knowledge stations set up in different areas of the Kingdom to provide knowledge tools for the service of local communities, noting that his group is working on establishing similar knowledge stations in other Arab countries.

Attending students voiced their pride at having a pioneer of Arab knowledge amongst them, expressing their motivation to emulate his success story.

Abu-Ghazaleh was presented with a plaque from Harvard Arab Students Association in recognition for his efforts in the fields of science, knowledge and culture, and for helping to build capacities and tapping potential of young people in the Arab world, the statement concluded.