Ammon News - Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan addressed the Rhodes Scholarships Reception for Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine (SJLP) at Nofa Creative Space in Amman on Friday evening. The event was held under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness and hosted by the Royal Scientific Society and Majlis El Hassan.

The reception brought together this year’s Rhodes finalists, members of the selection committee, representatives of the Rhodes Trust and leaders from Jordan’s academic and scientific community. The Rhodes Scholarships are among the world’s most prestigious academic awards, offering exceptional young people the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford.

This year, Ibrahim Alkaseer (Syria & University of Richmond) and Isam Mina (Jordan & Princeton) have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. They will be heading to the University of Oxford in October 2026 to join a cohort of more than a hundred Scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies and become part of a global community of leaders committed to making a positive difference in the world.

In her remarks, Princess Sumaya spoke of Jordan’s pride in its young scholars and its deep belief in education as the truest form of diplomacy. She celebrated the achievements of the finalists and reflected on the importance of knowledge as a bridge between cultures, generations and nations.

"It was a privilege to meet the Rhodes finalists and to celebrate their potential," Princess Sumaya said. "They remind us that learning is an act of hope and that science, culture and education together form the path to a more peaceful and compassionate world. At a time when the world is divided, their curiosity and determination bring us together."

Princess Sumaya also paid tribute to Professor Omar Yaghi, Jordan’s first Nobel Laureate, describing his success as a source of national pride and a powerful example of the transformative power of science and perseverance.

"Professor Yaghi’s recognition is a reminder that knowledge knows no borders," she said. "His journey from Jordan to the world embodies the spirit of inquiry and creativity that defines our nation’s scientific community."

The event also highlighted the achievements of Jordan’s finalists and the ongoing collaboration between the Rhodes Trust and regional partners to support outstanding scholars from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. The Scholarships for Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine began in 2016 and are awarded to two outstanding applicants each year.

The evening concluded with an exchange between the finalists, members of the selection committee and Princess Sumaya, reflecting on how education and research can serve peace, development and shared human progress.