NOVA University awarded the Honorary Doctorate to His Highness Shah Karim al-Hussaini, Prince Aga Khan at a ceremony held at the Rectory on July 20.
Dr. Francisco Pinto Balsemão, the Patron requested the attribution of this title as recognition for the active and valuable contribution of His Highness, Prince Aga Khan in the areas of education, culture, in the fight against poverty and for peace.
The laudation was given by Professor Daniel Traça, Dean of Nova SBE, who highlighted the values of tolerance, respect for the individual, intercultural dialogue and solidarity among human beings that are shared by the Ismaili community and NOVA, the city of Lisbon and Portugal.
Sharing values and building bridges between peoples of different cultures and creeds were also aspects valued by His Highness, Prince Aga Khan in his acceptance speech. His Highness mentioned the 103 nationalities present in the NOVA student body, which corroborate this pluralism. "Your principles are embodied in your motto -" the whole city divided against itself, will not remain "- The world would do well to adopt it." the Prince concluded.
“Now that you are a member of our academic community … I hope you are willing to consider Lisbon and particularly NOVA University as a partner in making the world better with more knowledge, more culture, more social development and, above all, peace for men and women of good will.” - was the final message of the Rector of NOVA, Professor António Rendas, at the closing of the ceremony.
