Higher education has a key role to play in countering the spread of populism , nationalism and tackling global challenges such as poverty and climate change , by reasserting universal values of human dignity and the value of science and research , the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization ’ s education chief , Stefania Giannini, said .

Competition between universities and between countries will be increasingly about human capital, she warned . Countries that are able to attract talented and very qualified people and give them opportunities to improve their competences will be the most competitive .

But the same countries will also build more inclusive societies “because a strong higher education system , at the national level , can help to lessen social tensions , help people to be tolerant and to know different cultures , religions and languages better” .

The UNESCO, as a leading international organisation dedicated to education , science and culture , may be battling in a difficult context of rising opposition to multilateralism and globalisation , but its mission , to build peace ‘ in the minds of men ’ , still has much to offer the world , she told journalists in London , especially in the current context .

She said that globalisation , although it had enabled people to live, learn and work in different countries , had become a negative word for many common people facing challenges as a result of it .

“ Maybe now it is time to get back to a universal perspective based on human dignity , respect , tolerance , exchange of knowledge of cultures and religions. This is a dimension where education and specifically higher education can play a crucial role . ”
She was talking on the 70 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , in advance of a wide- ranging speech in which she argued that higher education is a “ fundamental human right ” and , more than ever , education is the “main infrastructure to build sustainable development and sustainable societies ” and should contribute to “society as a whole” .

“ Higher education has a frontline role to play in understanding and finding solutions to challenges affecting all countries , including in their ethical dimensions .

“ Higher education institutions are vital for advancing inclusive national and regional development , for shaping more resilient and inclusive societies . They are intricately linked to shaping the economic, social and environmental fabric of our world . ”

Giannini, who was Italy ’ s second female rector – leading the University for Foreigners of Perugia, oriented towards study , by foreigners , of the Italian language and culture – and was Italy’ s education minister between 2014 and 2016 , was speaking in London at an event marking the 21 st anniversary of the UK ’ s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education .

– Source : universityworldnews . com


https://yossyinfo..com/2019/01/higher-education-should-reassert.html

Cc lalasticlala

Go tell that to islamists who have determined that population growth is a tool of domination and spread of their religion.
Failure to plan, they say, is planning to fail.