Topic 5f. Open to society: building sustainability together

Topic 5. Table of contents Transforming education for sustainability Overview [+] a. Sustainability framework for higher education [+] b. Educating for living with the earth [+] c. Learning for change [+] d. Knowledge for a new paradigm [+] e. Research and teaching for sustainable livelihoods [+] f. Open to society: building sustainability together. g. Universities in transition [+]

The principle of solidarity and true partnership amongst higher education institutions and social groups worldwide is crucial for education and training in all fields that encourage an understanding of global issues, the role of democratic governance and skilled human resources in their resolution, and the need for living together with different cultures and values. The practice of multilingualism, transdisciplinarity, and cultural exchange should be an integral part of all higher education systems to promote intellectual, social and scientific co-operation.

For a substantial change of higher education, the enhancement of its quality and relevance, and the solution to the major challenges it faces, it is required the strong involvement not only of governments and of HEIs, but also of all stakeholders, including students and their families, teachers, business and industry, the public and private sectors of the economy, parliaments, the media, the community, professional associations and society as well as a greater responsibility of higher education institutions towards society and accountability in the use of public and private, national or international resources.

There is a need for a real engagement between universities and society, and this engagement may well extend far beyond national boundaries. The nature of such engagement is one that needs to be debated and deliberated intensively, drawing on real examples, practices and experiences. There is a need also to understand the role that universities will play through this engagement, particularly in the ways that they engage with citizens – both individuals and collectives. This may be achieved in part by the forging of new relationships by universities and the emergence of networks that ensure a relevance of higher education

Universities-society dialogue must be part of the inner institutional dynamics, since is from society where knowledge demand comes and is to society where it is addressed. It is a need to create a true knowledge-based society through engagement with a broad set of social actors and provide expert advice in dealing with the problematic issues of the day.

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