Internationalisation is one of the four strategic objectives alongside excellence, inclusivity and sustainability used to prioritise the University’s activities in pursuit of its overall vision.  As the Special Advisor, Professor Barakat will be working closely with Professor Keon Lamberts, the new Vice Chancellor and his colleagues in the University's international office to establish global partnerships and identify opportunities for research collaboration and consultancy work across disciplines.   

 

Professor Barakat who is currently on a visiting fellowship at the Brookings Institution said in response to the appointment: "International links and partnerships are central to the success of York and I am very honoured to have been chosen for this key position and I look forward to contributing to the development and implementation of York's internationalisation strategy.  In my new role, I would be particularly keen to identify areas where the University and its Northern partners can make a positive and long-term contribution to reconstruction and development in conflict and disaster affected areas". 

 

As the Chairman of its newly constituted Board of Governance, Professor Barakat will continue to provide intellectual and developmental leadership within PRDU.  The Board will soon be appointing an Executive Director to manage the day-to-day affairs of the PRDU.  Meanwhile, Dr Kenneth Bush, Al-Tajir Lecturer in Post-war Recovery Studies will assume the role on an acting basis.