UNESCO-IHE celebrates closing Academic Year 2007-9
UNESCO-IHE celebrated the closing of the academic year 2007-2009 with an Awarding and Closing Ceremony on 23 April 2009, in the Old Church in Delft. This year 113 students from 39 countries received their Master of Science diploma. 15 students graduated with distinction.
Richard Meganck, UNESCO-IHE's Rector, took the opportunity to address the graduates as follows: “During the past months you have sacrificed in many ways, leaving family behind in pursuit of a common goal of improving your academic skills and knowledge to assume positions of responsibility in your home countries. It goes without saying that we, the entire academic community of UNESCO-IHE, share in the pride which you so rightfully manifest today.”
He continues: "About two weeks ago, I met with a group of graduating participants. They agreed that the most valuable and tangible product of their experience here at UNESCO-IHE is the network of professional colleagues – both fellow participants as well as staff and faculty of this Institute. Of this we can all take pride.
Members of a family
As I have noted previously, we are large enough to offer you an accredited and internationally recognised education; yet we are small enough that we quite literally become members of a family. Even in the short time you have been here there have been many changes - to the Institute and its academic programmes, to the water world both technically and in terms of the context in which you will now work, and of course to your own personal situation.
In terms of the world of water so much has happened. Since you arrived here in October of 2007 we have passed the half-way mark in the UN Decades – Water and Life and the Decade for Education for Sustainable Development. The Crown Prince of this Country just addressed the Fifth World Water Forum and presented the results of his work as Chairman of the Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation. The Third World Water Development Report was launched in Istanbul and the International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO approved several new Category II water centers, bringing the total to nearly 20 worldwide.
Microcosm of life
In terms of your personal situation, of course I cannot comment in detail. But I do know that life has continued in ways both predictable and unpredictable. As is clear to all of you, this has been much more than a formal education; it has been a microcosm of life – in all its richness – trials and exhilaration. You have learned much more than modeling techniques or engineering principles, more than development policies or water treatment technologies.
I suppose any talk of this nature must end with an admonition to go forth and do good things for your country or village. With this group of professionals I don’t feel this is necessary. It is a given. You have proven yourselves in so many ways; I know we will read about many of you in future years – in terms of your contributions to solving water-related issues. And in future years, I will relate your stories to our newest graduates. Thank you for allowing us to get to know you and for your efforts. Now, it is your turn to perform as alumni."
Interludes
The ceremony's festivities included a dance interlude, entitled 'Quatre Petites Pièces' performed by the students themselves, choreographed by Guy Beaujot from UNESCO-IHE. Two musical interludes by Nemanja Trifunovic (guitar), Dano Roelvink (clarinet) and Maarten Siebel (organ) proved to be very nice intervals during the ceremony.