There are powerful reasons that we cannot overlook, for which the West and the Muslim world must seek a better mutual understanding.

Today in the Occident, the Muslim world is deeply misunderstood by most. The West knows little about its diversity, about the religion or the principles which unite it, about its brilliant past or its recent trajectory through history. The Muslim world is noted in the West, North America and Europe, more for the violence of certain minorities than for the peacefulness of its faith and the vast majority of its people.

Never before has their been so much knowledge available about so many different people. Never before have we known more about the physical world in which we live. Never before, therefore, have there been opportunities greater to make a better life for more people around the globe.

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is the first Muslim baccalaureate speaker in Brown's history and I dare to say in the history of the entire Ivy League and all American universities. He embodies the great ecumenical spirit that links the three great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

He (Prince Karim Aga Khan) has become a major activist for civilized humanity and universal values. Not in words but in deeds. Not in one location but around the world.

Spirituality and architecture, together, become a force that can build bridges between people and communities, and empower them to build a more harmonious and humane future.

Have the Muslim civilizations of today lost the capability to produce great architecture?

His Royal Highness [Aga khan IV] is not only a leader of the Ismaili community but also of the entire Muslim world.

There is the potential in the Islamic heritage to help modern societies cope with the confusions, disillusionments and moral vagaries that afflict them.

For a Muslim university it is appropriate to see learning and knowledge as a continuing acknowledgement of Allah's magnificence.