The Arab World and the Challenges of the 21st Century

In his lecture, prominent statesman and author Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham will address some of social, political, economic, and educational challenges facing the Arab world in this new century.

In addition to his position as Libyan ambassador to the United Nations, Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham has served in a number of appointments that include secretary of the General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Joint Libyan–Italian Company; member of Cultural Innovation Committee; and member of the Libyan Arabic Language Academy. From 1998–2000, Mr. Shalgham was secretary of foreign affairs at the Secretariat of the General People’s Congress.

He also has an extensive journalism background, including his position as editor of Al-FAJR-AL-JADID newspaper and as director general of Libya’s News Agency for two years. From 1981–1983 he was the Libyan minister of information. Ambassador Shalgham has authored numerous articles and papers on political, cultural and literary topics, and has published an anthology of poems, ASRAR (“Secrets”). He is fluent in four languages — Arabic, Italian, French and English.

The Featherman Humanities Lecture was established by  University of New England President Emeritus Sandra Featherman, Ph.D., and her husband, Bernard Featherman.

Committed to promoting humanistic values and to enriching the learning experience at UNE, the Feathermans have created a permanent forum for exciting dialogues on diverse and provocative topics by thoughtful and renowned speakers.