Birzeit University Awards Honorary Doctorate in Humanities to Kuwaiti Businessman Kutayba Alghanim in Recognition of His Exceptional Contributions to Humanity and Education
Birzeit University has awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities to Kuwaiti businessman Kutayba Alghanim, Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to humanity, education, community development, business, and philanthropy.
On May 20, 2025, the honorary ceremony was held in Kuwait in the presence of Chair of Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, University President Dr. Talal Shahwan, members of the Board and University administration, and several prominent academic and economic figures.
In her speech during the ceremony, Dr. Ashrawi stated, “Honoring Kutayba Alghanim is a celebration of a figure who embodies the value of education as a cornerstone for building societies, and who has turned the concept of humanitarianism into a daily ethical commitment and active pursuit. Through his impactful support for social, economic, and educational development, Mr. Alghanim has become a source of inspiration. Today, as we honor him, we highlight the urgent need for unity in building a world where justice is reinforced; a world in which knowledge and responsibility go hand in hand, and where generosity becomes both a lived reality and a source of hope for younger generations, especially at a time when the Palestinian people are enduring severe humanitarian tragedies, foremost among them the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the forced displacement in both Gaza and the West Bank. These systematic crimes, which threaten the right to life and education, place on all of us a heightened responsibility to defend human values, above all the rights to life, dignity, freedom, and education.”
For his part, Kutayba Alghanim expressed his gratitude to Birzeit University saying:
“I am proud to receive this recognition from a university with a steadfast mission; one that believes education is not merely an academic path, but a daily act of resilience and progress. I have always believed that societies that invest in knowledge build their capacity to endure and pave the way toward a more balanced and just future. What makes Birzeit University special is its resilience in adversity and its commitment to remaining a platform for free thought and an active partner in societal progress. This recognition holds special meaning for me, as it comes from Palestine and takes place in Kuwait; a country founded on principles that has remained steadfast in its humanitarian commitment to just causes, particularly the Palestinian cause.”
University President Dr. Talal Shahwan also praised Alghanim’s professional and humanitarian journey, saying:
“Kutayba Alghanim represents not only a story of economic success, but also a clear vision for building fairer and more inclusive communities where education is not excluded and justice is not marginalized. His ongoing support for educational and humanitarian initiatives in Palestine, the Arab world, and internationally is a continuation of the legacy of his late father, Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim, who deeply believed in the transformative power of education and work.”
Kutayba Alghanim is the Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries; one of the largest privately owned companies in the region, known today for its modern approach built on efficiency and innovation. He was first brought into Alghanim Industries by his father Yusuf Alghanim. In this role, he introduced contemporary business culture and modernized the organization. Alongside his business achievements, Alghanim has played a pivotal role in supporting education and social development. His generous contributions to Birzeit University enabled the building of the iconic Yusuf Alghanim Library on campus in 1985. He also founded Dar Ilham & Yusuf Alghanim in Lebanon in 2003, which provides a home for underprivileged children, especially those orphaned and deprived of a family environment. Additionally, he sponsors the Childhood Home Project in Kuwait, among other educational and humanitarian initiatives across the Arab world.
Birzeit University’s honorary doctorate is a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals whose achievements support the university’s mission and help it provide quality education that prepares graduates to become leaders in their communities.
About Birzeit University
Founded in 1924 as a school for girls, Birzeit University later evolved into the first and leading institution of higher education in Palestine. It has taken the lead in promoting education and academic freedom in Palestinian society.
As the university enters its second institutional century, it has around 14,400 students, 62% of whom are women. This reflects its commitment to women's empowerment and academic and social engagement. The university offers more than 131 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and is known for excellence across the humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, economics, law, and art. Numerous institutes, centers, and units strengthen Birzeit’s ties to the surrounding community.
Birzeit University has a strong reputation locally, regionally, and internationally. It continually strives to foster an environment of academic excellence, critical thinking, and openness to global and humanitarian issues, making it a beacon of knowledge and culture in Palestine and the region. Rooted in the principle of equal access to education, and with the support of friends and partners, the university has worked since its founding to provide students with the resources they need to complete their studies, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of their right to higher education. Birzeit University believes that education is not a privilege; it is a basic human right and a pillar of national resilience and progress.
