The Nihal European University in Sudan

Like many other countries in the region Sudan is presently undergoing a structural transformation, especially in the socioeconomic sphere. For a few decades now Western and modern socioeconomic structures in the framework of globalization have confronted a country that for the most part still has a traditional economy and way of life. The economy in urban centres is still characterized by small-scale and individual trade. Every larger street has its own grocery store. At the same time the predominant social structures are still classical, based on family and local surroundings (such as the village or neighbourhood). In the modern globalized economy both are in danger of disappearing entirely unless there are changes. Nonetheless the country and its people have to be prepared for these changes. At the same time they must search for a solution to the problem of maintaining cultural identity (to the greatest extent possible) in the face of the demands made by modern industrial society. For changes not concerned with the feelings and values of those involved will provoke resistance, as experience has shown, especially in the Arab and Islamic Orient. This resistance invokes traditionalism and, in the worst cases, can lead a minority of individuals to embrace fanaticism. Such reactions cannot ever be eliminated entirely to the extent they have already been generated. While resentment toward Western society has found a broad basis, one can try to counter it and find a modus vivendi by adapting to the needs and perceptions of those who are affected.

An educational system based on European standards has to begin to mediate in these matters by attempting to acknowledge such problems, helping Europeans to understand the needs of people in the Near East. At the same time the people of Sudan have to be educated about Europe, and European ideas have to be communicated in a way they can understood. It is in the interest of Sudan however that the Nihal European University in Sudan and its associated educational institutions serve as a forum for mediating cultural pluralism across cultural and religious boundaries and outside the party and ethnic factionalism of Sudan. In this way the internal peace and cohesion of the country can be strengthened, and the Nihal European University in Sudan can thus make a contribution to helping the country break out of its political isolation. In particular cultural and economic relations between Sudan and Europe can be improved through such measures, while dialogue with neighbouring states will continue to have an important function.

In addition an educational system would find its rationale in preparing the next generation of Sudanese for the new situation of the globalized world of the 21^st century. Our goal would not only be to help our graduates find their way in this new world, but also to give them the ability to co-create it significantly in Sudan, thus creating a sustainable future for their country and its society. Its citizens will be able to retain their respective cultural identities so that these necessary structural transformations do not have implications that are too negative. At the same time by means of their academic qualifications and sensitivity for persons of different cultural backgrounds our graduates will have the opportunity to be competitive on the international job market and the ability to establish themselves, thus avoiding proletarianisation in the globalized economy. By being able to co-determine and fine-tune these developments they and (indirectly) the Nihal European University in Sudan could help reduce the conflictual potential of a “clash of cultures”.