Summer Highlights at the Tunis Center

Welcoming the University of Northern British Columbia

In July, we hosted part of the University of Northern British Columbia's field school on “Social and Cultural History of MENA” with a strong focus on Tunisian history, led by Dr. Sara Farhan, Assistant Professor of History. In the first session at the center, Dr. Farhan and her students engaged in discussions on religion and the history of Islam. Later in the month, we welcomed Dr. Kurt Mertel, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the American University of Sharjah. Dr. Mertel delivered a lecture entitled "Islamic Philosophy and Interculturality in the Muslim World."

PGIF Global Citizenship Progress

Launched in 2022, the “Youth-led Advocacy Initiative for Global Citizenship, Responsibility, and Cooperation” is coming to a close. In partnership with the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and SMU - South Mediterranean University, the team has completed crucial phases such as mapping, surveys, interviews, and transcription. They are now turning their attention to the vital task of analysis as the project comes to an end.

Columbia University Students Visits

We were pleased to welcome seven Columbia students, from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), the School of General Studies, and Barnard College. These students, with a strong interest in the MENA region and Arabic culture, engaged in discussions with the Tunis Center about their future, academic interests, and the region’s dynamics.

Assessing and Managing Brand Equity of a Non-Profit Organization: A Case Study of Columbia Global Center Tunis

Following his six-month internship at the Tunis Center, Selim Bouzid graduated from Tunis Business School (University of Tunis) with a BA in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Business Analytics. During his internship, he conducted a research project titled "Assessing and Managing Brand Equity of a Non-Profit Organization: A Case Study of Columbia Global Center Tunis," which provided insights into brand management for the Center.

The Green Barrier of the Mediterranean: the Future of Mediterranean Climate Resilience

Emilio Leonardo Egger Prieto, an undergraduate at Columbia School of General Studies majoring in Human Rights, is a fourth year student of the Columbia - Sciences Po Dual BA Program. He completed his internship at the Tunisian NGO BlueTunisia, where he conducted research on environmental issues and wrote an article on Mediterranean ecology and cooperation. The article focuses on a green barrier around the Mediterranean basin, akin to the Great Green Wall for the Sahel, and explores its benefits for ecological resilience and North-South cooperation. It is available on our website. Read the full article here.

Columbia University Has a New President

Finally, we extend our warmest congratulations to the newly appointed president of Columbia University, Pr. Katrina Armstrong. We look forward to continued collaboration under the new leadership and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Read Interim President Armstrong's message to the students here.