Synopsis

The Lutfia Rabbani Foundation celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a lecture to commemorate its Founder: Mahmoud S. Rabbani (1934-2002). This year's lecture which will be delivered by Dr. Mustafa Barghouti is entitled 'Palestine: Strategic Challenges of the Future and the Role of Europe'.

Mahmoud S. Rabbani, throughout his career, sought to promote the values of dialogue, cooperation and educational exchange. As a prominent businessman, philanthropist and leading spokesperson for the Palestinian and Arab points of view in The Netherlands, he dedicated his life’s work towards promoting Euro – Arab dialogue and building bridges between both regions.

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti is an active participant in the building of a democratic Palestinian civil society. His lecture will also address the need to continue dialogue and further develop mutual understanding between Europe and the Arab World.

Following the lecture, a discussion about the role of Europe and the role of entrepreneurship will take place with Mouin Rabbani and Josette Dijkhuizen. The event will include a live music performance by Mozaiek Ensemble featuring the Syrian soprano Mireille Bittar and Feras Khouri and will conclude with a reception.

For information on the location and programme please see below.

Seats are limited - please register as soon as possible.

Speakers

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti is a Palestinian physician, activist and politician. Trained as a medical doctor, he has advocated throughout his career for the development of Palestinian civil society and is considered one of the most prominent leaders of the Palestinian struggle. He is co-founder (with Haidar Abdelshafi and the late Edward W. Said) and Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), a political party dedicated to freedom, democracy and equal rights for the Palestinian people. He ran for president in the 2005 presidential election, coming second after Mahmoud Abbas. Thanks to his efforts to reach diplomatic solutions at the national and international level regarding Palestine, he is considered “a man of the people”, and is one of the most vocal advocates of the non-violence movement in Palestine. His mission is to bring the voices of ordinary Palestinians and of Palestinian civil society to decision-making spheres both nationally and internationally.

Mouin Rabbani is an independent analyst, commentator and researcher specialising in the contemporary Middle East. He has previously served as Principal Political Affairs Officer with the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Head of Middle East with Crisis Management Initiative/Martti Ahtisaari Centre, Senior Middle East Analyst and Special Advisor on Israel-Palestine with the International Crisis Group. Rabbani is Co-Editor of Jadaliyya, Contributing Editor of Middle East Report, Senior Fellow with the Institute for Palestine Studies, Associate Fellow of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Policy Advisor to Al-Shabaka - The Palestinian Policy Network. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Rabbani has published, presented and commented widely on Middle East issues, including for most major print, television and digital media.

Josette Dijkhuizen is an entrepreneurship consultant, business mentor and scientist. She finished her PhD on psychology of entrepreneurship in June 2015 and was appointed Honorary Professor in Entrepreneurship Development at Maastricht School of Management. The connection between science and practice is reflected in the various books she has written, in the publications and columns and also in lectures and workshops Josette gives worldwide. Josette Dijkhuizen has received numerous awards and nominations for her activities and was appointed UN Women’s Representative for The Netherlands in 2013. In that year she also won the the Joke Smit Encouragement Prize for her entrepreneurship program ENPower for vulnerable people. She has recently launched the Women4Women programme; an exchange and mentoring programme between female entrepreneurs in the Netherlands and in the Middle East and North Africa. By sharing experiences, knowledge and connections, a sustainable network of women entrepreneurs is realised.

Moderator

Safiyeh Salehi Mobarakeh is a professional conference moderator, public speaker and intercultural connector. With a passion for identifying synergies, Safiyeh specialises in liaising between The Netherlands and the MENA region, focusing on social impact innovation and tech for humanity. A recent example of which being Coalitions for Impact for Iraq, Jordan & Lebanon in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Safiyeh is the co-founder of ZINC Foundation, advocating for achieving UN SDG 16:9 (a legal identity for all children) by implementing blockchain for humanity and founder of Eloquessence Consultancy for MENA-NL Business Diplomacy services. Safiyeh has moderated high-level conferences where she introduced leaders of state, senior government figures and business officials. Recent conference moderation and presentation examples include GES (Global Entrepreneurship Summit) 2019, TED x Marrakech, and Female Leadership transition conferences.

The Lutfia Rabbani Foundation

The Lutfia Rabbani Foundation is a private, not for profit organisation that seeks to promote Euro-Arab understanding and exchange through dialogue, culture and education. Founded in 1979 without religious or political affiliations, the Foundation strives to find common ground and recognise opportunities to promote mutual understanding. The Foundation implements this mission through three channels: Scholarships, Dialogue platform and Cooperation.

Time and Location

The 40th Anniversary Lecture will take place at the Grand Auditorium at the Leiden University Academy Building. Attendees can enter the Academy Building with their E-ticket between 14:00 and 14:30. A closing reception starting 16:45 until 18:15 will conclude the event.

Parking & Public Transport: Parkeerplaats Haagweg Haagweg 8, 2311 AA Leiden.

The closest parking lot is the Haagweg car park. A shuttle bus runs from the Haagweg car park to Rapenburg, Leiden Univesity Academy Building. On street paid parking is also available, but there are very few parking spaces on Rapenburg and there is a barrier for cars near the Faculty Club.

By public transport, Leiden Station is about 15 minutes’ walking distance, and buses and (train) taxis also run from there to Rapenburg.