The Science Council of the University of (Rome) Tor Vergata decided yesterday to award HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, who is Qatar’s candidate for the Unesco director-general’s post, an honorary doctorate degree in the field of culture from the Department of Philosophy, Literature and Art.
The decision came after the university adopted a programme which honours people for their role in establishing peace and promoting understanding between different cultures.
The university said that al-Kuwari’s profile ever since working in Paris, then the United States and in his capacity as the minister of culture, arts and heritage was the perfect representative of the Qatari culture.
They praised the former minister’s work as being respectful of other cultures and religions.
They highlighted in particular the ministry’s role in translating Arab literature into multiple languages as well as translating international works into Arabic.
Al-Kuwari will receive his degree in December, after which the adviser to HH the Emir will give a speech on the role of culture in international relations.
Al-Kuwari will also present his programme as director-general of Unesco in a speech to the cultural committee of the Italian parliament.