Building bridges through education

"Building Bridges through Education" is the theme of this year's International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) conference, which takes place in New York from 17-20 June. Held every three years, it is said to be the world's largest gathering of university presidents, vice-chancellors and rectors. The IAUP has more than 600 members in over 100 countries. While the previous conference in Valparaiso, Chile, took place during an economic downturn the 2011 triennial is being held against the backdrop of the Arab spring. "The mood is characterised by a feeling of expectation and responsibility," said incoming IAUP President Michael Adams, who is President of Fairleigh Dickinson University in the US. "So much has happened in the world, changes that are revolutionary and that have not fermented in normal ways. It's been educated individuals who have prompted change and we understand that higher education particularly has a responsibility to provide trusted leadership into the future." ... "In coming together as higher education leaders around the world there is this sense of responsibility and anticipation of an important role to play," he told University World News. One of the key roles of higher education is assisting with economic development in specific regions through education and training, jobs development, entrepreneurship, creation of companies and building economies through individuals and organisations, Adams said. "The second is as a voice of reason. Higher education professors and presidents are respected around the world and they're looked to for advice on how to proceed, on how to come to order after chaos." ... "One of the things I hope to do is highlight the role of universities and colleges around the world as part of the solution 'set' to the problems facing the world," he said. ... "Building Bridges through Education" will include special sessions on developing capacity, enhancing access to higher education, improving quality, creating partnerships, reducing conflict, and using technology. It will also include a panel of women rectors in Europe and a panel of rectors from Arab universities. ...   Yojana Sharma 12 June 2011 universityworldnews.com