Sorbonne Abu Dhabi inaugurates 'Fear of the Other' next week

The press conference was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Vice President of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD), and Director General of ADEC.

Attended the press conference Dr. Mohamed Al Aboodi, PSUAD Deputy Academic Director; Dr. Donald Baker, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UAE university in Al Ain (UAEA); Dr. Carole Maigne, Head of Philosophy Department; and Dr. Ronald Perlwitz, Head of the Language and Business Department.

Dr. Mohamed Al Aboodi opened the conference stating:

"The creation of the Abu Dhabi Campus of Sorbonne University is beyond the education task; an obvious opportunity to create intellectual exchanges through a different perspective."

He further introduced the upcoming international colloquium as "a true academic collaboration at its highest levels gathering professors from Sorbonne, as well as colleague professors from UAE University in Al Ain to discuss in a specialized academic context the concept of fear in all its faces. This international colloquium reflects a unique and truthful dialogue between the East and the West. It also aims at creating a network with other academic institutions".

On the organization of this distinctive academic collaborated colloquium Dr. Donald Baker stated in his opening speech "We are very pleased to deepen our association with Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University through this conference, which involves a dialogue of scholars from both institutions on an important topic. When H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, and Jacques Chirac, Former President of France, signed the agreement to establish a branch of the Sorbonne here, their hope was that its presence would lead to greater intercultural dialogue. This conference on the "fear of the other" addresses a key issue in that dialogue."

The organizing committee discussed with the media the notion behind this colloquium, as expressed by Dr. Maigne "'Fear of the Other' is considered a multidiscipline Colloquium, at the heart of the University mission, as defined with the National Authorities. The varied points of view which could be obtained through this channel are a clear source of questioning, reflection and meditation, in order to give substance to the University motto "a bridge between civilizations".

She prolonged that the guest of honor Professor Jean Delumeau, and his colleague professors; H.E. Professor Sari Nusseibeh, and Professor Jean-Luc Marion have been selected thanks to their high level of specialization. They are more than academic professors.

The guest of honor and his colleague speakers in this colloquium are considered highly specialized in their respective disciplines such as philosophy, linguistics, literature, sociology, musicology, history of arts, history of religions and theology and other disciplines, on a global level. Furthermore, these speakers have books published on the topic of Fear.

Scoping the essence of this academic collaboration between these two universities, Dr. Ronald Perlwitz added "This [the academic collaboration] reflects the deep emphasis on students' attendance and enrichment. This academic discussion encourages students to take advantage of such valued knowledge. It is considered a valuable opportunity to meet the most prominent speakers and experts in their fields. Thanks to PSUAD, this colloquium is open to public. Interested attendees can gain benefit from such a valuable opportunity. Serving that objective, the colloquium offers".

Serving the objective of being accessible for all, and sincere to the academic collaboration; it is worth mentioning that the colloquium takes place at the cultural foundation on the first day, PSUAD campus on the second day and UAEU campus on the third day.

The scientific committee includes Sorbonne Professors Olivier Soutet (French Literature), Head of the école doctorale V, Michel Fichant (Philosophy) and Yvon Desportes (German studies) as well as the Deputy Director of Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Dr. Mohamed Al Aboodi. The organization committee includes Assistant Professors from Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Mrs. Carole Maigne (Head of the Philosophy Dept) and Mr. Ronald Perlwitz (Head of the Language and Business Dept).

The committee concluded the press conference by showing appreciation to the support of the French authorities that this colloquium enjoys as it is scheduled within the French Language Week. They also dedicated their special thanks to the contribution of Etihad Airways; the official carrier, and Total.