BU Law to Develop Counter-Terrorist Financing Training Program with Qatar University College of Law
BOSTON, MA – October 1, 2018 – Boston University School of Law (BU Law) entered into an agreement with Qatar University College of Law today to develop a Counter-Terrorist Financing Training Program, an intensive one-week course designed to enhance the capacity of Qatar’s legal professionals and government officials to combat the global threat of terrorist financing.
“The laundering of illicit funds to finance terrorism poses one of the gravest threats to national security,” said Angela Onwuachi-Willig, BU Law’s dean. “A partnership with Qatar University College of Law to develop a customized training program gives us a unique opportunity to support the country’s efforts to fight terrorist financing.”
“Qatar is a leader in regional and global efforts to counter terror financing and defeat extremism. We look forward to enhancing the capabilities of our professionals through this unique training program,” said His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the State of Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States. “Qatar has partnerships with leading American universities and we are pleased to now include Boston University School of Law among these partners.”
Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Dr. Mohamed Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, dean of Qatar University College of Law, joined Boston University Provost, Dr. Jean Morrison, and Dean Onwuachi-Willig at today’s signing ceremony at the law school.
The counter-terrorist financing course will address the training needs of Qatar’s public prosecutors, ministry officials, and financial services professionals charged with detecting and disrupting illicit financing schemes. BU faculty with expertise in national security, anti-money laundering, Fintech, cybersecurity, and financial regulation will work with Qatar University College of Law’s faculty to develop simulations and case studies based on real-world threats.
“We regard this training as an opportunity for a true partnership,” says Onwuachi-Willig. “Our law school and university have broad expertise in the strategies and technologies that terrorists now use to obtain and move funds throughout the global financial system, but the true value of the training will be its practical relevance to Qatar.”
Anticipated instructors include faculty from the Boston University School of Law’s Graduate Program in Banking & Financial Law with expertise in fighting financial cybercrime, as well as experts affiliated with the University’s Hariri Institute for Computing, the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, and the Cyber Security, Law, and Society Alliance.
In addition to BU Law instructors, the program plans to feature experts from the US Department of Treasury, US Department of State, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who will share best practices in building and prosecuting counter-terrorist financing legal cases. The initial program will take place in Boston in late fall or early spring with additional programs slated for spring and summer 2019.
“We share with Qatar a commitment to defeating terrorist activities funded through the exploitation of financial technology,” says Onwuachi-Willig. “We are excited about establishing this unique partnership with the Qatar University College of Law. There is so much to be done to secure our nations, and I see this course as an important first step in a developing a collaborative model that can make a major difference in the global fight against terrorist financing.”
About Boston University
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 33,000 students, it is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University’s research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of 62 leading research universities in the United States and Canada.
About Boston University School of Law
Founded in 1872, Boston University School of Law is a top-tier law school with a faculty recognized nationally for exceptional teaching and preeminent scholarship. BU Law offers a full-time JD degree, five LLM degrees, and 17 dual degrees. Students may choose from more than 200 classes and seminars, 24 clinics and externships, and 21 study abroad opportunities. Supported by a global network of nearly 24,000 alumni and a robust Career Development & Public Service Office, graduates achieve remarkable career success. BU Law is located in the heart of Boston and housed in the ultra-modern Sumner M. Redstone Building and law tower.
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