Speech by Dr. Dima Aziz Barakat at the Graduation Ceremony
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Graduates,
It gives me great pleasure to gather with you today on an occasion that carries the significance of responsible achievement and embodies the outcome of diligent work and conscious professional commitment.
The presence of international professional accreditation in Syria was neither a passing step nor the result of a temporary circumstance. Rather, it is the culmination of years of cumulative effort, shared expertise, and serious institutional partnerships—years of steady and deliberate building that have brought us to where we stand today. This has been achieved through the presence of the American Board of Medical and Health Specialties, with its broad and well-established accreditations, and through Midmak International Academy in Australia, which has served as an effective professional partner along this path.
From the outset, the objective was clear: to move away from the notion of formal or symbolic certificates toward the principle of true merit—a merit measured by productive knowledge, responsible practice, and tangible professional impact in the field.
The American Board of Medical and Health Specialties has established a rigorous accreditation system based on objective evaluation of professional practice, linking certification to both scientific and ethical eligibility. In doing so, the certificate becomes evidence of competence and responsibility, not merely an identification document.
Along the same path, Midmak International Academy in Syria and Australia continues to play its role in preparing and qualifying professionals through applied training programs governed by quality standards, directed toward effective professional practice, and aligned with real-world and labor market requirements.
Dear Graduates,
The certificate you receive today is not the end of the journey; rather, it is the beginning of a pathway of advanced professional qualification that the American Board, in partnership with Midmak International Academy, is working to establish in a new Syria—a Syria built by professionals of solid knowledge, high competence, unwavering professional ethics, and sincere commitment to serving their society.
The true value of this certificate is shaped by your performance, and its impact is measured by the extent to which your knowledge is transformed into responsible practice, and by how firmly you place the human being at the center of your professional priorities.
On this occasion, I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Secretariat of the American Board in the Middle East, represented by Professor Dr. Mustafa Qandil, for his continuous support and follow-up, and to the American Board Council in California for the trust, care, and attention granted to the Syria branch.
I also express my heartfelt appreciation to the management of Midmak International Academy in Australia, led by Mr. Robert Al-Tawil, and to the entire team of trainers, experts, and administrators, for their outstanding professional support and sustained cooperation, which directly contributed to the realization of this achievement.
My sincere thanks also go to the official authorities that supported the presence of these two international institutions in the Syrian Arab Republic, facilitated procedures, opened avenues of cooperation, and addressed related administrative requirements—foremost among them the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Directorate of Foreign Agencies, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represented by Professor Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi. I further extend my thanks to Professor Dr. Abdul Munem Abdul Hafez for his genuine efforts in supporting the Academy and its mission to enhance advanced professional qualification, elevate the quality of educational outcomes, and prepare graduates in accordance with international standards. I also express my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, particularly the Consular Department, for its generous cooperation and facilitation of certification procedures.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the scientific councils, esteemed trainers and experts, and the administrative and organizational teams who carried the responsibility of this endeavor with dedication and commitment until it reached this stage.
In conclusion,
I congratulate you and your families on this success, and I congratulate us all on the launch of a new pathway for professional qualification in Syria—one that is grounded in international accreditation standards and global best practices.
Thank you, and may you all remain well.