The University's Council decided in its recent meeting to award Auchi the doctorate which will allow him to enjoy all the rights and privileges conferred by the degree, added the statement.

Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdula'al, a member of the Board of Trustees of Lahaye University, presented Auchi the honorary degree on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the University's Council in the Jordanian capital Amman.

Dr. Abdul Ghafour Ibrahim Ahmed, member of Lahaye University's Council, said "It gives me pleasure on this auspicious day to open this award ceremony for an honorary doctorate to Mr. Nadhmi Auchi, who has witnessed many investment and creative achievements throughout his career."

"In recognition of the role of his leadership in the investment sector, both locally and globally, and of being a prominent businessman and investor who has been committed to tremendously supporting, and greatly assisting the education sector and research centers, Lahaye University Council have decided to grant Mr. Auchi an honorary doctorate degree in economic sciences. This is the highest honor awarded by the University in recognition of his distinct achievements and leadership," stressed Dr. Ibrahim.

Auchi has received a remarkable number of honors from prestigious international scientific institutions for his achievements and generous contributions.

The International College of Surgeons in Chicago awarded Auchi an honorary fellowship (FRCS) in recognition of his significant contributions in various humanitarian and economic activities.

He was honored by the British Royal Society of Medicine in recognition of his contributions in support of the medical field in Britain, and especially the support he provided to the organization in order to enrich their projects in scientific research, and the exchange of medical and academic knowledge with the Arab region.

The American University in Cairo adopted "Auchi's Grant of Leading Young Arab Cadres" into the fellowship program for outstanding Arab students.

Hammersmith Hospital in London honored Auchi by naming a department for the treatment and research of kidney diseases after him, in recognition of his contributions.

Auchi was named Vice-President of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at the renowned Harvard University.

 

Pope Benedict XVI recognises interfaith work of Nadhmi and Ibtisam Auchi



'Thank You' from the Vatican

Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro: Their support was not restricted to a certain religion, nor a region.

Nadhmi and Ibtisam Auchi received two high honours decreed on them by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

The awards were granted in recognition of their contribution and support of the various interfaith and humanitarian work in the former Yugoslavia.

Mr Nadhmi Auchi received the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal which was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and is given for distinguished service.

It is the highest medal that can be awarded to non clergy by the Vatican.

Mrs Ibtisam Auchi received the Benemerenti Medal which was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 and is conferred on those who have exhibited long and exceptional service to the international community.

The ceremony was conducted by His Excellency Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to the Republic of Serbia and held at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane London.

Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro highlighted the importance of Mr and Mrs Auchi contributions.

"Their support was not restricted to a certain religion, nor a region," said Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including members of the two Houses of Parliament, Arab and European ambassadors in the Court of Saint James', religious and interfaith leaders, businessmen, and the media.

“Ibtisam and I feel very honoured to have been awarded these high medals and would like to express our gratitude to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for granting them," said Nadhmi Auchi during the ceremony.

"Ibtisam and I have felt privileged to have been able to personally support and partner with the Vatican on a good number of interfaith and humanitarian projects throughout the former Yugoslavia. All of these projects inspired by the Holy See have been to the benefit of all and offered throughout the region without regard to any one particular faith," he added.

“As so many of you are aware, the recent war in the region witnessed considerable religious unrest, the percussion of minorities, acts of atrocities by all sides, and in certain cases the horror of genocide," he emphasized.

Orthodox church was present t

<"As Muslims, Ibtisam and I share a common desire to foster greater inter-religious relations with the followers of all faiths and we are both well aware and appreciate the important work of the late Pope John Paul II and the current Pope in fostering such work globally,” Auchi concluded.

Nadhami Auchi is the President of the Anglo Arab Organisation (AAO), an NGO with an aim to bridge cultural and economic gaps between the Arab World and the West.

The AAO has various initiatives concerning interfaith dialogue, Middle East conflict, Iraq war, and the Sudan civil war. It donated substantial aids to people in-need during wars and natural disasters.