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Dr Hanif Hassan, Director, Zayed University:
On education: "We miss him. But he is with us through his values and principles and the journey will continue under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shaikh Zayed realised that a human being is incomplete without education. He focused on bringing experts from all over the world, which played a big role in the development of human resources. The UAE became one of the most sought after countries regarding education. Now the challenge is how to develop education to suit the needs of society. The level of education that was suitable 20 years ago does not help nowadays. Before, the concern was to have educated people and that education should reach a larger population. However, the concern today is the quality of education because we live in a multicultural, open society. On peace between faiths: "The model Shaikh Zayed created in terms of dealing with various nationalities and religions is unique, not just in the country, but in the world. There is no differentiation between humans. All are equal in rights and duties. People from different nationalities and religions come here to exchange knowledge and experiences. This was Shaikh Zayed's vision. I think this model should be taught to our children at our schools. It should also be an example for other countries." Dr Larry Wilson, Provost, Zayed University
 | Dr Hanif Hassan (left) and Larry Wilson at the new memorial room opened in memory of Shaikh Zayed in Zayed University. |  |
On education: "It seems to me he was one of the most visionary leaders. His efforts in bringing a country together is outstanding, which also reflected on education. His vision was that his people must be educated to the highest levels. Most leaders don't see this, and if they saw, they don't provide the resources to achieve that. "It is not easy to prepare a country that is creative in brains. I think Shaikh Zayed was fortunate to have a vision and the resources to achieve that vision. The fact that he established a women's university has set exceptionally high standards. His vision was that Zayed University be equal to the best in the world. It is a great challenge and a big responsibility. To me, it is another piece of his leadership. Shaikh Zayed realised that education is the base of a strong country. He prepared UAE nationals and money to build that base. At Zayed University, we carry a bigger responsibility to continue his legacy. After five or ten years, we will still feel his presence and the dream he talked about. I think the initiative he gave us will continue. On peace between faiths: "His complete commitment to treat all people equally is another example of his concern toward the welfare of human kind. In this country, there are at least 160 nationalities. The issue is not only tolerance, but also encouragement for people to follow their own religion. I think it is the confidence Shaikh Zayed had in his leadership. The way he talked and dealt with those matters has set an example. Shaikh Zayed had big expectations, yet he was a very humble person. His legacy will be remembered for many, many years." Dr Howard Reed, Director, Dubai Women's College
 | Dr Howard Reed is honoured to live in the UAE. | | |
On education: "Whenever we have any event in the college, we have videos about UAE history. Shaikh Zayed is a big part of it. His way of walking proudly is amazing. It reflects what a great man he was and how he treated the whole country as a child. He was most interested in the development of all. People like that don't come to many countries very often. He counted on youngsters to build a society full of peace. I am especially interested in his views on the roles of women. He understood that the country wouldn't have a strong base unless there was participation of women. Sometimes parents don't understand that. There is always a feeling of loss. If people keep reflecting on how hard Shaikh Zayed worked, it will make everybody stronger. On peace between faiths: "It is an honour for me to come from the United States and live here in the UAE, and experience Shaikh Zayed's vision."
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