Sachs shaped global thinking, president tells award ceremony
Frederick University in Cyprus has awarded Columbia University professor of economics Jeffrey Sachs an honorary doctorate on Friday evening “for his significant contributions to global sustainable development and his effective interventions to address complex human challenges”.
In a speech read out at the event by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, President Nikos Christodoulides said what differentiates Sachs’ work was not just its scale, but its coherence and moral clarity, as well as its responsibility for future generations.
Christodoulides said the work of the professor had contributed to shaping global thinking on sustainability, equality and peace.
He added that Sachs captured the essence of sustainable development, that is, development that leaves no one behind, protects nature and builds a just and cohesive society.
President of the university’s board Natassa Frederikou said “we gather not only to confer an honorary doctorate, but also to honour a man whose ideas, voice and actions have shaped global thinking on what it means to build a better, more just and more sustainable world.”
In Cyprus, she added, many people recognise his name and even more are familiar with his “strong and distinctive voice on global issues, yet not everyone realises that behind the bold headlines lies one of the world’s most consistent, committed and visionary advocates for sustainable development.”
“His work reminds us that meaningful change requires both courageous ideas and difficult conversations and he never shies away from either,” Frederikou said.
Rector Giorgos Demosthenous said Sachs “joins our distinguished list of honorary doctors”, adding that “this special occasion coincides with a landmark anniversary for our academic community as this year we proudly celebrate 60 years of continuous contribution to Cyprus’ educational landscape, culminating with the establishment of Frederick University.”
“Today, we honour professor Sachs for his outstanding contributions to global sustainable development and his effective interventions in addressing the complex challenges faced by humanity,” Demosthenous said.
Co-chair of the Cyprus Sustainable Development Solutions Network Costas Papanikolas said Sachs has made significant contributions in Cyprus that “resonate deeply within our academic and civic communities”.
“His remarkable influence in persuading the government of Cyprus to support the establishment of the Cyprus Institute cannot be overstated,” he said.
Papanikolas added that in 2019 Sachs played “a leading role, alongside Laurent Fabius, in advocating the launching by the Cyprus government of the Eastern Mediterranean – Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI).”
“His relentless pursuit of knowledge, unwavering commitment to social justice and peace, and visionary leadership continue to inspire us all,” he said, adding that “we eagerly anticipate your continued impact on our community and beyond”.
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/05/02/sachs-shaped-global-thinking-president-tells-award-ceremony