International

Columbia University president resigns after Gaza protests turmoil

Published

3 months ago

August 15, 2024

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik

Columbia University president resigns after Gaza protests turmoil

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned from her position amid a free speech debate over campus protests of the war in Gaza.

Ms Shafik’s resignation comes only a year after she took the position at the private Ivy League university in New York City, and just a few weeks before the autumn semester is due to begin.

Ms Shafik is now the third president of an Ivy League university to resign over her handling of Gaza war protests.

In April, Ms Shafik authorised New York Police Department officers to swarm the campus, a controversial decision that led to the arrests of about 100 students who were occupying a university building.

The episode marked the first time that mass arrests had been made on Columbia’s campus since Vietnam War protests more than five decades ago.

The move inflamed other protests at dozens of colleges across the United States and Canada.

In an email to students and faculty on Wednesday, Ms Shafik wrote that she has overseen a “period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community”.

“This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community.”

Katrina Armstrong, chief executive officer of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will serve as the interim president.

“Over the summer, I have been able to reflect and have decided that my moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead,” Ms Shafik wrote in her letter.

“I have tried to navigate a path that upholds academic principles and treats everyone with fairness and compassion,” she continued.

“It has been distressing – for the community, for me as president and on a personal level – to find myself, colleagues, and students the subject of threats and abuse.”

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Students’ anger over how Israel is fighting its war against Hamas has raised fraught questions for university leaders, who are already struggling with combustive campus debates around what is happening in the Middle East.

US college campuses have been a flashpoint for Gaza war protests since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, and Israel’s subsequent incursion into the Gaza Strip.

The leaders of Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

The presidents of Harvard and UPenn ultimately resigned amid backlash over their handling of campus protests and congressional testimony, including their refusal to say that calling for the deaths of Jews could violate university policy.

In April, Ms Shafik defended her institution’s efforts to tackle antisemitism to Congress, saying that there had been a rise in such hatred on campus and the college was working to protect students.

Ms Shafik is a highly-respected Egyptian-born economist who formerly worked for the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Bank of England.

She also previously served as president of the London School of Economics.

Ms Shafik, who received a damehood in 2015, was previously considered to be on the shortlist for the Bank of England governor, the BBC reported in 2019.

Her letter adds that she has been asked by the UK Foreign Secretary to lead a “review of the government’s approach to international development and how to improve capability”.

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The decision, she wrote, “enables me to return to the House of Lords and to reengage with the important legislative agenda put forth by the new UK government”.

Her resignation comes after three Columbia University deans also resigned last week, after text messages showed the group used “antisemitic tropes”, according to a statement by Ms Shafik, while discussing Jewish students.

The text exchanges were originally published by the Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce in early July.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, the chairwoman of the congressional committee, praised the decision by the three administrators to resign.

“About time. Actions have consequences,” she said in a statement last Thursday, adding that the decision should have been made “months ago”.

“Instead, the University continues to send mixed signals,” she continued, adding that the administration is allowing a dean who has not resigned to “slide under the radar with no real consequences”.

Universities around the US are preparing for the academic year to begin in the next several weeks, as the conflict in Gaza continues.

On Tuesday, a judge in California ruled that UCLA – which saw violent protests break out on campus in May – must prevent protesters from blocking Jewish students from campus facilities.

Judge Mark Scarsi ruled that protesters had “established checkpoints and required passers-by to wear a specific wristband to cross them”, and blocking “people who supported the existence of the state of Israel”.

“Jewish students were excluded from portions of the UCLA campus because they refused to denounce their faith,” Judge Scarsi wrote in the order. “This fact is so unimaginable and so abhorrent to our constitutional guarantee of religious freedom that it bears repeating.”

The university has blamed outside agitators for the checkpoints and said it objected to the ruling.

Hamas-led gunmen killed about 1,200 people in an attack on Israel on 7 October, taking 251 others back to Gaza as hostages.

That attack triggered a massive Israeli military offensive against Gaza and the current war.

At least 39,897 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli campaign, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Columbia University president resigns after Gaza protests turmoil

BBC

Related Topics:Columbia Gaza protests University president

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COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m

Published

5 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Trends Admin

COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has committed a $10 million grant to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP), bolstering its mission to strengthen primary healthcare systems worldwide.

Announced on November 12, 2024, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, the grant highlights IsDB’s dedication to enhancing health resilience and climate adaptation in low- and middle-income countries.

In a statement on Tuesday, IsDB described HIIP as a groundbreaking partnership among Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), WHO and nations seeking robust health and climate solutions.

“This initiative focuses on the investment in essential, climate and crisis-resilient primary health care services and systems,” the bank stated, emphasizing the aim to reinforce the health system, especially in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to foster resilience against emerging health threats and climate challenges.

Fifteen countries are identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform: Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia Guinea Bissau .

Other countries included Jordan, Maldives Morocco, Senegal, South Sudan, The Gambia, Tunisia and Zambia.

Supporting WHO’s technical assistance goals

The $10 million grant will specifically support the technical assistance that WHO provides to countries around the world to assess investment needs and to design the most impactful health projects.

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“These projects will serve as the foundation for co-investment by the MDBs, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas with the greatest potential for positive health outcomes,”IsDB added.

Over the next four years, WHO aims to strengthen climate resilience as part of its Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which includes implementing national climate adaptation plans and making 10,000 health facilities fully operational, including solar-powered electrification.

Unlocking $500m in health investments across the region

In addition to the $10 million grant, IsDB’s contribution is projected to unlock at least $500 million in health investments across the region.

“This collective goal is part of a broader effort to mobilize a total of US$ 1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants, focusing on critical areas, this way addressing national health priorities.”

Advancing health resilience, leadership statements

IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser said, the Islamic Development Bank is proud to support the Health Impact Investment Platform as part of our unwavering commitment to advancing universal health coverage and resilience in our Member Countries.

“These Multilateral Development Banks and WHO partnerships enable us to scale up primary health care where it is needed most, creating a stronger foundation to withstand future crises and addressing the pressing health challenges of today.”

“Together, we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future for communities across the globe,” he said.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that low- and middle-income countries need access to sustainable financing to strengthen their health systems through primary health care, to make them both more resilient to pandemics and more equitable in delivering essential health services.

“The Health Impact Investment Platform combines WHO’s public health expertise and on-the-ground presence with the resources and financing expertise of the Islamic Development Bank and other multilateral development banks. By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and creating a healthier future for all.”

The IsDB, along with its partners, remains committed to fostering partnerships that will advance healthcare and improve quality of life globally.

COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m

International

UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025

Published

6 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Trends Admin

UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025

The UK government has announced plans to issue 45,000 seasonal worker visas in 2025.

This initiative aims to support the nation’s food production by ensuring sufficient workforce availability during peak demand periods hereby addressing labour shortages in its agricultural and poultry sectors,

The seasonal worker visa scheme is intended to provide a temporary labour force for essential roles in food production.

Additionally, 2,000 visas will be granted to poultry workers for processing tasks between October and December.

This allocation, reports inform, is part of a broader strategy to provide businesses with the workforce needed during peak seasons.

Eligibility criteria for seasonal worker visa applicants

Applicants for the Seasonal Worker visa must meet specific eligibility requirements. They must be; at least 18 years old, have a valid sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and meet the necessary health and safety standards for the job.

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Applicants must also provide evidence of sufficient funds for their stay and have valid health insurance coverage. Importantly, visa holders are required to leave the UK when their employment period ends and cannot change their visa type while in the country.

Available roles and how to apply

The Seasonal Worker visa applies to a variety of roles within the horticulture and poultry sectors. In horticulture, workers may be tasked with duties such as planting, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and packing produce.

Poultry workers will typically be involved in tasks like feeding and caring for the birds, egg collection, processing, and other related duties.

To apply, candidates must secure a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer.

Once sponsored, applicants can submit their visa application through the UK government’s online immigration portal.

Applications for poultry roles must be submitted by November 15 each year, while horticulture roles have year-round application windows.

UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025

International

Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students

Published

14 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students

The Science@Leuven Scholarship provides an opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a Master’s degree at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium.

The scholarship is available for various science-related programs and aims to support students who demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation to succeed in their studies.

According to the institution, the Science@Leuven Scholarship for 2025 is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a Master’s degree in the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven. The scholarship can provide up to 12,000 Euros for one year, covering tuition fees, health insurance, and living expenses.

Eligible master’s programs

The Science@Leuven Scholarship is available for a selection of Master’s programs at KU Leuven. These include: Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Biology
Master of Chemistry
Master of Geography
Interuniversity Master of Geology (specific specializations only)
Master of Mathematics
Master of Physics
Master of Statistics and Data Science
Master of Sustainable Development (ICP)

Applicants who are interested in other programs outside this list will not be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship is specifically designed for students applying to these specific Master’s programs in science.

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Eligibility criteria for applicants

To be eligible for the Science@Leuven Scholarship, applicants must meet several key criteria:

Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a non-Belgian university that qualifies them for the master’s program they are applying for.
Academic performance: Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic results in their previous studies and must be capable of maintaining a high level of performance during their time at KU Leuven.
Language proficiency: Strong English language skills are required, with minimum TOEFL scores of 94 (internet-based) or IELTS scores of 7.0 overall. Specific score requirements for reading, listening, speaking, and writing also apply.
References: Applicants must submit two reference letters from internationally recognized professors.
Motivation: Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation to study at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Science and have a clear vision for their academic future.

Applicants who meet these criteria can apply directly through the KU Leuven application portal.

Scholarship benefits and coverage

The Science@Leuven Scholarship covers various expenses for eligible students. The award amount can be up to 12,000 Euros for one year. This sum includes:

Tuition fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for one year.
Health insurance: Basic health insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the program.
Living expenses: A portion of the scholarship is also allocated for living expenses, though the exact amount may vary.

The scholarship is renewable for the second year of a two-year Master’s program, provided the student achieves outstanding results in their first year.

Required documents for Application

Applicants interested in the Science@Leuven Scholarship must submit several important documents as part of the application process:

Transcript of Records: A complete list of courses, including ECTS credits and grades, along with a description of relevant courses taken.
Letter of Motivation: A short letter explaining why the applicant is motivated to study the chosen program at KU Leuven.
Reference letters: Two reference letters from internationally recognized professors who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential.

These documents must be uploaded through the KU Leuven application portal. Applicants must also ensure they submit proof of their completed application via a screenshot, which is required for the scholarship registration.

How to apply

The application process for the Science@Leuven Scholarship involves two main steps:

1. Apply for the Master’s Program: First, applicants must apply for their chosen Master’s program via the KU Leuven application tool. Instructions for applying can be found on the KU Leuven website.

2. Apply for the Scholarship: After completing the application for the Master’s program, applicants must register separately for the Science@Leuven Scholarship. Registration is confirmed once applicants receive an email notification. Applicants must upload proof of their program application (a screenshot) to complete the scholarship registration.

Deadline for applications

The deadline for submitting applications for the Science@Leuven Scholarship is February 15, 2025. Interested candidates should ensure they complete both the Master’s program and scholarship applications by this date.

For further details, including full application guidelines, visit the KU Leuven website or contact the university’s admissions link