World Universities Congress Explained
The inaugural World Universities Congress (WUC) was held at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Turkey from October 22-24, 2010. The congress aimed to discuss the responsibilities and duties of universities in addressing global problems.
Leadership and participation
The congress brought 250 universities, rectors, academicians, politicians, and representatives from 50 countries. Four hundred papers were published, and approximately 500 speakers contributed to the congress.
Key themes and discussions
- Evolution of the University Concept: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives
- Understanding and preventing global climate change
- Preventing global terrorism
- Eradicating global poverty
- Solving global migration problems
- Eradicating inequalities in income distribution
- Eradicating injustice in healthcare services
- Eradicating inequality in educational opportunities
- Proposing solutions for environmental pollution
- Preventing regional conflicts and promoting world peace
- Protecting cultural heritage
- Developing permanent solutions for rapid population growth
- Enhancing non-governmental organizations impact on local and international development
Declaration and recommendations
Following the congress, a declaration was released, emphasizing the need for universities to expand their roles and missions to address global problems. The declaration recommended that universities:
- Become active participants in responding to societal issues
- Take on new roles, such as peacemaker, mediator, entrepreneur, and initiator
- Make recommendations to authorities and administrators
- Reconstruct their institutions to offer solutions to global and chronic problems
- Cooperate and interact with NGOs and other institutions
- Train professionals, employees, administrators, and leaders who can respond to the needs of a changing world
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