President Christodoulides inaugurates AUB-Mediterraneo Campus in Paphos (pics)

The importance of education in promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of the region, helping to create more abundant and inclusive societies, being economically significant to Paphos and Cyprus, and the excellent relations between Cyprus, Lebanon and the USA, were noted at the inauguration of the Campus of the American University of Beirut-Mediterraneo.

The event at the university's Campus, constructed on the site of the old Paphos carob mills complex, was inaugurated by Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides and addressed by representatives of the American University of Beirut (AUB) and other officials.

The event combined the opening ceremony of the University's new campus in Paphos and the opening ceremony of the academic year 2024-2025.

Collective pursuit of excellence in education

In his address, Christodouludes expressed the Government's support of the vision of the American University of Beirut (AUB) - Mediterraneo for Cyprus.

The establishment of the American University of Beirut-Mediterraneo in Paphos, Christodoulides noted, "is a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education," and “a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a brighter future for our countries and for our region through education and collaboration.”

He also said that many universities from Greece, Germany, and the wider Middle East are following AUB's example, having expressed interest in establishing a campus in Cyprus, and are in consultation with the Government.

In his address, President Christodoulides also said that this "momentous occasion holds great significance, both for this esteemed institution but also for Cyprus and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region."

"It is a manifestation of the historically excellent relations between our countries, a testament to the bolstering of regional cooperation in the field of education. At this very challenging time for our region of conflict, we are standing at the EU’s anchor and lighthouse in the eastern Mediterranean, and sending a very strong message of cooperation", he added.

He then noted that the American University of Beirut, with a rich legacy spanning over 158 years, has not only left its mark on the world stage but it has also had a decisive impact on the trajectory of the lives of thousands of students, beings renowned for its commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering an environment of innovation, research, and critical thinking. "By establishing a presence here in Paphos, in Cyprus, AUB continues its tradition of shaping leaders, advancing scholarship, and promoting a culture of research and academic excellence," he stressed.

President Christodoulides also referred to the university's "state-of-the-art facilities", noting that they are spaces where innovations will be sparked, and where students from diverse backgrounds will come together to learn, cooperate, collaborate, coexist and grow.

"They represent the tangible expression of a vision – a vision that sees Cyprus as a bridge between cultures, a hub of academic rigour, and a place where the power of education can truly transform lives," he added.

Noting that education is the cornerstone of progress and the platform from which we can build a better future, President Christodoulides said that the establishment of the American University of Beirut - Mediterraneo in Paphos is "a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in education."

"I would like tonight to express the support of our Administration in your new vision for Cyprus," he said, noting that his Administration continues to reinforce "a successful strategy" launched by the Nicos Anastasiades Government, while expressing his satisfaction for seeing the country evolving into “a regional, European educational hub."

He also expressed his satisfaction for the fact that, as mentioned, many universities from Greece, Germany, and the wider Middle East are following the example of AUB. " We are in consultations with them since they expressed interest to establish a campus in our country," he said.

He also noted that the opening of these new buildings and facilities "also symbolizes the strong partnerships between Cyprus and Lebanon, with the support of the USA, and between our people who have long shared ties of friendship, culture, and commerce."

“The establishment of AUB-Mediterraneo in Cyprus is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a brighter future for our countries and for our region through education and collaboration,” Christodoulides concluded.

Deep ties bounding the United States, Lebanon, and Cyprus

In his address, AUB President Fadlo R. Khuri spoke of the deep ties that have long bound the United States, Lebanon, and Cyprus, and, in particular, through the generations of Cypriot citizens who were educated at AUB, but also of the deep ties that bind the two ancient cultures across the Eastern Mediterranean.

We join with the Municipality of Paphos and the Cypriot nation to make our presence and impact here sustainable and impactful, an accomplishment that was recently recognized by Invest Cyprus, who awarded us as one of seven institutions, and the only educational institution, with their prestigious International Investment Award, continued Khuri, adding that the university is here to work in partnership with Cyprus to help educate and empower the best and brightest of Cyprus, the region, and the world, ‘that they may help lift their societies to more abundant and more inclusive destinies.”

The citizens of the region, including those from Cyprus, who were educated by America’s finest university beyond its 50 states would return that investment by embodying the best of American liberal values, he stressed, adding that these women and men were emboldened to think of others as their peers and equals, and of none as their superiors.

“That is the commitment we make today in our new home in Paphos, to raise generations of women and men with a steadfast commitment to their communities and to the world at large, to take the cutting-edge tools of today, mix them with the enduring values of the ages, and build a better, more inclusive, more excellent tomorrow for all”, he concluded.

Blending history and cutting-edge technology

On his part, AUB Rector Wassim El Hajj said that the new AUB campus blends the history of the old Carob Mill Warehouses with cutting-edge and forward-thinking technologies, woven together by iconic features that tie us to the AUB campus in Beirut.

As a twin campus of the American University of Beirut, everyone at AUB Mediterraneo is guided and inspired by the same values that inspired the founders of the American University of Beirut 158 years ago, namely “commitment to excellence, understanding and overcoming fear of the other, always seeking to make the world a better place, especially for those less fortunate”, he continued.

He added that apart from the new campus inauguration, AUB also celebrates a tripling of its student body from 53 students from 12 countries just a year ago to more than 150 students from 20 countries today, while faculty has also grown with the addition of 9 scholars and practitioners who earned their degrees at leading universities in Europe, North America, and the Arab world, “drawn by the global reputation of the American University of Beirut for academic excellence and a singular student experience, by our commitment to an American style liberal arts education, and by the chance to live in Cyprus and in this wonderful city of Paphos”.

Innovation, intellectual freedom, and academic strength

The Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees Abdo Kadifa said in his address that as a graduate of AUB’s school of engineering and architecture, which ultimately propelled him to Silicon Valley, where he has lived for more than four decades, he has witnessed amazing innovations that created numerous fortunes and a lot of good for society, while also experiencing challenges from such technologies on the individual, on society, on work disruptions, and on cybersecurity.

He then thanked the Cypriot and United States governments for having enabled AUB to continue to promote the values of innovation, intellectual freedom, and academic strength and continue its long history of graduating entrepreneurs, business leaders, scholars, physicians, scientists, and thought leaders from across the Mediterranean, all while extending its reach to the shores of the European Union.

“As we stand on the threshold of this exciting new journey, I am filled with optimism. Together, we will build a brighter future for our students, for Cyprus, and for the wider Mediterranean region”, he concluded.

Putting Papos on the world map of university education

In his own speech, Paphos Mayor, Phedon Phedonos, said that today the city has acquired “one of the most important projects in its historical journey”, noting that, it could be ranked “among the 15 most important projects of the city in its 2,300 years of history.” He said among other things, that the university would put Paphos and Cyprus “on the world map of university education.”

He also expressed the belief that the university would promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and act as a “transmitter” of the values and ideals of peace, coexistence and cooperation.

(L-R) Phedonos, Anastasiades, Christodoulides

Phedonos also said that he would soon submit to the President of the University a proposal for the establishment, under the auspices of the institution, of an International Mediation and Peace Institute, noting that finding effective ways to promote dialogue for lasting peace “is one of the most urgent challenges of our time but also of our region.”

Shared values

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, said that the vision to open this campus in Cyprus demonstrates AUB’s long-term commitment to academic excellence and providing opportunity for students in the region. The execution of this over the last year has demonstrated the permanence of these ideals, she added.

Referring to the US partnership with AUB, the Ambassador said that they believe in AUB’s work, adding that, since 2010, America has invested over $100 million in scholarships at AUB to students hailing from Lebanon's 26 districts, including refugees. These scholarships have enabled 760 students to pursue their education, while 481 already graduated, she said.

She noted that the partnership between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus was also built on shared values, and a commitment to progress and prosperity. “Together, our two countries are working to enhance regional stability, to further Cyprus’ economy, and to deepen the ties between Americans and Cypriots”, she added, noting that this opening was both a milestone for the university, “and a testament to our enduring ties”. In a region often characterised by turbulence, the presence of this campus stands as a beacon of hope and stability, she also said.

During the ceremony in Paphos, a number of alumni from the American University of Beirut, which has its seat in the Lebanese capital, were honored, among them CNA's Manuk Yildizian who works for the Agency's Turkish Department.

(Sources: CNA/PIO)