UJ to honour global leader Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with honorary doctorate

She is a highly influential figure known for her transformative contributions to education and human development, both in Qatar and globally. Her influence extends beyond access to education and social reform to other initiatives spanning health, partnerships, and peacebuilding, all of which are crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to society, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will, on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, confer an honorary doctorate on Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Education Above All. An honorary doctorate is the highest recognition a university can confer. It acknowledges individuals whose lives and work have made a sustained and meaningful contribution to society.

By honouring Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, UJ affirms her crucial role in shaping Qatar’s policies, particularly in education, research, and human development. Transformative leadership is central to building a just and equitable society. This sends a message to UJ students and graduates that academic excellence is incomplete without civic responsibility, and that talent must be matched by societal values.

The honorary doctorate will be received on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser by H.E. Mubarak bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to South Africa.

Says UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi: “The values that Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser embodies align with those of the University of Johannesburg, including visionary leadership in education, social justice, and a lifelong dedication to equity and sustainable progress. She has led numerous impactful initiatives that directly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are delighted to confer an honorary doctorate on Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for her profound global impact and for inspiring the UJ community and society at large.”

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy in Islam from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, awarded in 2015, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Qatar University. Her academic background played a crucial role in shaping her vision for educational reform and societal advancement. From the early days of her public service, she demonstrated a commitment to modernising education and improving social systems while maintaining respect for Qatar’s cultural and religious heritage.

Her Highness is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for all in education, the workforce, and leadership roles. Thanks to her efforts, female students now outnumber men in universities, reflecting her commitment to removing barriers and supporting their success.  She has also promoted policies that support working mothers, including flexible work arrangements and improved maternity leave benefits. Many of Qatar’s leading organisations and institutions now have women in top leadership positions, thanks in part to her advocacy.

Beyond Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has been a strong voice for human rights on the international stage. She has spoken at the United Nations and other global forums, calling for policies that promote equality in education, employment, and leadership. Her work has earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in the Arab world.

Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s influence extends beyond access to education and social reform. She has also been involved in humanitarian and development efforts worldwide. She has served as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, where she has worked on initiatives to provide education in conflict zones. She has partnered with the United Nations to support refugee children and youth affected by war and displacement. In 2020, she introduced a resolution to establish 9 September as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which was passed by the United Nations General Assembly to focus global attention on the plight of children affected by armed conflict all over the world.

Says UJ Registrar, Prof Bettine van Vuuren: “Conferrals of honorary doctorates follow a rigorous and deliberate process and are reserved for individuals whose leadership and achievements have reshaped industries, influenced society and global discourse, or advanced knowledge beyond traditional academic pathways. We are thrilled to have Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser amongst the distinguished individuals that we honoured this year.”

More about Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser

  • In 1995, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser established the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving education, research, and community development. Under her leadership, the Foundation has launched numerous initiatives, including schools, research centres, and universities, which have significantly elevated Qatar’s academic landscape.
  • In 2002, Sheikha Moza led the creation of the Supreme Education Council to reform Qatar’s public education system. Through modernised curricula, improved teacher training, and the integration of advanced technologies, these reforms transformed the sector into a globally recognised model of innovation and critical thinking.
  • In 2012, Sheikha Moza founded Education Above All (EAA), an initiative aimed at providing education to underprivileged and marginalised children around the world. The foundation has worked with international organisations such as UNICEF and UNESCO to ensure that children affected by war, poverty, and displacement receive quality education.
  • In 2020, she introduced a resolution to establish 9 September as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which was passed by the United Nations General Assembly to focus global attention on the plight of children affected by armed conflict all over the world.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Time: 13h00 (to be seated by 12h30)

Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

RSVP: Media interested in attending this conferral during the graduation session are requested to RSVP to Mpiletso Motumi at mmotumi@uj.ac.za by 9 am on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

In addition to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the University has already conferred honorary doctorates this year on:

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