Audiences gained new and valuable global perspectives and insights in bridging differences among nations with Ambassador Ahmad Kamal’s two-day visit to Lone Star College-CyFair.
Dr. Jim Brown, political science professor, said Ambassador Kamal’s visit was part of an effort to help broaden the horizons of students; expand their awareness of the world community and to introduce them to the international arena, which is their future work place.
Ambassador Kamal’s time was spent in the classrooms with students as well as giving presentations to students and faculty, board trustees and community leaders and the Cy-Fair community on “Terrorism: Fundamental Causes and Possible Solutions,” “Globalization in a Changing World” and “Pakistan and Its Strategic Importance” respectively.
“His assessment of current world affairs, based on years of experience with world leaders such as Mao Tse-Tung, Leonid Brezhnev, and Henry Kissinger, provided us with insight that enriched and broadened our understanding of global issues,” said Jo Fey, dean of Social, Behavioral and Health Sciences. “Nearly 350 students were clearly engaged by the ambassador’s message challenging them to think critically about the current world situation and to become leaders in the development of possible solutions.”
Professor Robert O’Brien said Ambassador Kamal’s talks on terrorism and Pakistan were enlightening and informative and his use of humor and colorful metaphors helped him connect with most of the students.
“In regards to Pakistan, I believe he opened the eyes of the students to help them see the diversity and complexity of Pakistan and move beyond the image that this is a country where terrorists hide,” said O’Brien.
LSC-CyFair student William Arias said until Ambassador Kamal’s discussion, he didn’t really care what happened in Iraq.
“He is a very good speaker,” said Arias. “Also when I saw Mr. Kamal, I automatically thought it was going to be boring and dumb, neither was the case.”
Area resident and Academy for Lifelong Learning member Ann Candela said Ambassador Kamal gave an insight into Pakistan and its people that she might not have heard otherwise.
“Bringing such distinguished visitors such as the Ambassador to Lone Star College-CyFair is a gift not only to our students but to our community members as well,” she said.
A professional diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan for 40 years, Ambassador Kamal has held diplomatic posts in India, France, Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia and Republic of Korea and has been a permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations for 10 years.