Václav Havel Multi-national MA Programme Launched at CU ****************************************************************************************** * Vaclav Havel Multi-national MA Programme Launched at CU ****************************************************************************************** The Patriotic Hall at Carolinum welcomed the celebration of the rename the inter-universit appropriately named after the former president Václav Havel. The special ceremony introduc organised by EUROPAEUM [ URL "http://www.europaeum.org/europaeum/"] , which intends to int prestigious European universities on a single, multi-practice postgraduate scheme. Central are Charles University, Sorbonne-Pantheon and Leiden, with the support of scholars from Ox Academic representatives from each of the participating universities were invited to discu on the aims of the programme, and to pay homage to its namesake, Václav Havel. With five accepted students on the two-year long programme present in the crowd, the cours multidisciplinary course, involving modules shared between two or more of the participatin with a strong focus on linking the Humanities. European Politics, Contemporary History, La will be touched upon, in addition to European International Relations. Professor Václav Hampl, Rector of Charles University, introduced guests through brief expl appreciation. Rector Hampl likened the international, multi-faceted course as relevant to Václav Havel, a “popular European and statesman”, drawing on his aspiration to educate and youth of Europe into a modern community. A more personal perspective followed from Professor Ivan Havel, Director of Center for The at Charles University and brother of the prestigious former president. He explained that V the first democratic president of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, contributed to th of Europe and would have strongly supported the international integration of institutions young people. Smiling out of pride and approval, Ivan Havel made it clear that his late br been fully supportive of this initiate, and would have certainly been proud to charter the Prominent figures from EUROPAEUM, the association behind this event, were present. The Sec of the association, Dr. Paul Flather, was able to concisely explain to the audience the id programme, which echo their main aim: increased communication and integration between inst giving a brief history of EUROPAEUM, founded in 1993, Dr. Flather explained that the idea give younger scholars a “better sense of Europe”, with this specific degree course formula “integrate and collaborate” these universities by means of a single degree programme. He t an anecdote about a brief meeting with former President Havel, depicting his warm nature a attitude for success. Invited to speak next was Karel Schwarzenberg, a trustee of EUROPAEUM and the former chanc Czechoslovak Government, a man who had close ties with the organisation and with Havel him nationally respected figure, Schwarzenberg was invited to be the first to officiate the pr him an opportunity to promote the scheme and pay homage to his former superior and friend. experience, as the most recent former secretary of foreign affairs, Schwarzenberg explaine a time of “European uncertainty” emphasis on reintegration is vital. In particular, he hig important this degree course is as an opportunity to rekindle links between European insti furthermore; outlined the relevance of the Havel name, explaining the former president’s d people to study freely”, and rounded off his sentiments with hope that Havel’s visions wou within this programme. Representatives from Patheon-Sorbonne and Leiden University attended to launch the program Marc Bonnisseau, the Vice-President of Patheon-Sorbonne University, advocated future colla order to achieve the “goal for the future of our students”: the increased unity throughout institutions. Leiden University Professor Andre Gerrits was also present to express his vi the programme. He emphasised that the MA scheme will not only interest students but will a energetic academic connection between the universities. Stating that the European Union is disintegration, Gerrits made it clear that the Havel programme will “bridge lines of divis hugely beneficial to students, academics and their respective cultures. The ceremony was summarised by Professor Lenka Rovná, an experienced fellow of Charles Uni a greatly experienced lecturer herself, she reminded the audience that Václav Havel used t give lectures at Prague’s oldest university. He educated students in an array of subjects International Relations, Diplomacy and Human Rights – each relevant and directly connected programme. She exclaimed that this programme would add a dimension to Charles University a institutions, and that it will be “enriching for all students and teachers alike”, typifyi benefits of the integration programme. The centrepiece of the event was the EUROPAEUM Lecture held by Sir Adam Roberts, Senior Re at Oxford University, on the topic of Civil Resistance and Power Politics: From the Prague Arab Spring. The lecture captivated the audience, drawing comparisons between the Prague s the Arab spring and its aftermath, an especially potent and current issue in today’s world the importance of civil resistance and compared the two, with the conclusion that in light situation, Havel himself would “not have lost hope” for diplomacy. The importance of integ between countries was the main theme of the ceremony, and it was fitting that such an even with an acknowledgement of the marvellous former leader and statesman, Václav Havel. Sam Pepper is interested in meeting and discussing culture between people from other natio period in Prague. He also offers simple English lessons to other European students to gain By initially learning meeting people of other European cultures at his home University at comparing similarities and differences in European politics, popular culture and ways of l to write about subjects such as disparity in East Asia, European Union immigration and a E has shown him the value of being a European student in the Czech Republic.