05 November 2012, London. On 24 October the University of Manchester honored Sir Fazle Hasan Abed with an accolade for his outstanding services in tackling poverty and empowering the poor in Bangladesh and globally through BRAC, the organisation he founded and leads.
In an address delivered on behalf of the honorary graduates, Sir Fazle said:
"Universities through the centuries have played an unmatched role in creating new knowledge, educating leaders and thinkers who shaped our societies, and spearheaded innovation and enterprise. This University [of Manchester], over the years, has encompassed a number of centres of excellence within its fold and has emerged as one of the largest in Europe. Frontier research to expand the horizon of human knowledge, as well as research and education in economic, social and behavioural sciences continue apace, so that human societies can find ways of living in peace with justice and equity, and in harmony with our planet’s ecosystems.
The pivotal role of universities prompted BRAC to found BRAC University in Bangladesh in 2001. Although BRAC University is 188 years younger than THIS university, we share the same beliefs – that we need to train and educate a new generation of creative leaders that can challenge existing thinking and ideas, and build a sustainable future for our planet."
Sir Fazle’s visit to Manchester was hosted by Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM) and Brooks World Poverty Institute (BWPI) in recognition of the more than 20 years knowledge creation partnership between the University of Manchester and BRAC. The partnership began in the 1990s with Professor David Hulme’s collaborative studies of BRAC’s development initiatives that led to its ground-breaking ultra-poor programme. BWPI and IDPM have close collaborations with BRAC University researching climate change and urban poverty and effective states and inclusive development.
University of Manchester also recognized Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall, renowned mathematician and former Lord Mayor of Manchester Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw, Shoe repair firm founder John Timpson and president of the International Paralympics Committee Sir Philip Craven as outstanding individuals to receive the honorary degrees.
