Speaking at the University's Summer Degree Congregation after receiving an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), Queen Rania shared Jordan's experience in enhancing global concepts, such as development, by drawing on Arab-Islamic principles and beliefs.
“As we promoted local community development... we found that traditional institutions — such as family, tribe, and religion — were among the most credible means of reaching families with information they could use to improve their well-being and role in society,” the Queen told the audience of graduating students, their families, and other invited guests.
The Queen also shared her own experiences in striking a balance between modernity and tradition.
“In every instance in my fast-changing personal, professional, and public life when I had to venture into uncharted territory, I drew strength and direction from our Arab-Islamic heritage of faith, family, and governance,” she told the 1,000-member audience.
“The challenge,” the Queen added, “is to deal with fast-paced technological change and global integration by recognising what is valuable in today's world and appreciating what is relevant and worth nurturing from the world of previous generations.”
“You and your children in the coming half-century have the opportunity to bring about the fastest, most widespread improvement in living standards for billions of people around the world, through the expansion of global investment, training, and trade. Never before in the history of the world has one generation held so much promise,” Queen Rania said after receiving the honorary degree.
resumed in the following message Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor of Pan-European Politics and Director of the Centre for European Studies Bogdan Szajkowski highlighted the Queen's diverse initiatives ranging from early childhood development, child safety, and education, to culture, microfinance, and the economic participation of women, among others.
“Queen Rania is a most remarkable first lady, a consummate professional, and an outstanding support and true partner to King Abdullah. She is devoted to her country, her culture, and Islamic values,” Szajkowski noted, adding that she has “managed to blend her traditional background with a modern image.”
“At the same time Her Majesty is a citizen of [the] world with an understanding heart and acute awareness and knowledge of the central issues dominating the contemporary social and political agenda,” he said of Queen Rania. “She has already become a role model for [the] world's women, “he added.
Szajkowski also praised Jordan for its pivotal role on the international scene, stating that the Kingdom occupies a “unique position” in Europe and the Middle East.
“There can be hardly a more important, more sensitive, and more prestigious position at the fault lines of the Middle East — in Europe's immediate neighbourhood — than that of the Hashemite Throne,” he said.
Previous recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Exeter include the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, and the first woman president of the European Parliament Madame Simone Veil.
The University of Exeter, established in 1955, traces its origins to a School of Art founded in Exeter in 1855. Housing an Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, the university is currently one of only nine universities in the UK offering postgraduate studies in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies.
Following the commencement ceremony, Queen Rania visited the building and library of the Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies. The director of the institute Tim Niblock briefed the Queen on the institute's work and activities as well as on the importance of its building that was built according to Islamic architectural style through a donation by the ruler of Sharjah in the UAE.
Approximately 500 students received their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees from the university on Thursday.
Queen Rania holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the American University in Cairo.
Prior to the commencement ceremony, Queen Rania attended a luncheon hosted by the university's chancellor, Lord Alexander.
Earlier in the day, the Queen also visited the City of Exeter's Guildhall
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