Annan thanks Qatar for establishing higher education fund for Iraq

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has praised the consort of the Amir of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Misnad, for her role in establishing an international fund for higher education in Iraq, calling it a "display of global citizenship and solidarity."

"I hope others around the world will be inspired to offer similar contributions to the people of Iraq at this difficult moment in their history," Mr. Annan said in a letter to the Sheikha, the text of which was made public at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Sheikha and the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Koïchiro Matsuura, on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the fund, which will provide immediate and long-term assistance for the reconstruction of higher education in Iraq.

As the first contributor, Qatar decided to donate $15 million. Several countries, including Japan, have already indicated their desire to make a financial contribution.