Launch of the EUTOPIA Student Think Tank
Contra el genocidi i contra la violació dels drets humans, a Gaza i arreu del món
Peace comes when you talk to the person you most hate. And that’s where the courage of a leader comes.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), first recipient of an honorary doctorate from UPF
These words, spoken by Desmond Tutu, the first person ever to be awarded an honorary doctorate by UPF, are more applicable today than ever. The UPF condemns, and will always condemn, the use of violence to settle disputes. At UPF, we advocate approaching political or territorial conflicts based on dialogue and respect for all peoples and minorities.
As a university, we also want to show our support to the academic community in countries at war. Universities and scientific institutions are more necessary than ever in these regions. Access to education and the promotion of critical thinking, in the context of strong independent institutions, are the way to ensure the informed debate and reflection that can open the door to new avenues for finding solutions.
At UPF, we are aware of the university community’s concern for the human rights violations we are seeing in the conflicts around us. That is why on this website you will find information about campaigns and actions related to current conflicts, as well as opinion pieces and institutional statements. We also offer a dedicated e-mail address – [email protected] – to contact the university and let us know about your interests and concerns.
Launch of the EUTOPIA Student Think Tank
When it comes to research, it has a central part in the educational experience of students at universities. While conducting research, students can find answers to pending questions, fill gaps in knowledge and gain valuable insight into their particular field. Their developed expertise can play a leading role in improving civil society.
The EUTOPIA Student Think Tank (EUSTT) is dedicated to building a platform to share knowledge and incubate new ideas to contribute to the progress of society. Run by a highly diversified group of student researchers, it allows students to publish their works and recommendations. It also offers skill-training to engage the student community in policy-shaping and policy-making processes to create positive impacts in society. The importance of such an initiative stems from the central role of education in one’s life by making knowledge available to everyone.
Among the members of the EUSTT are several UPF students, linked to various degrees:
- Pol Villaverde, degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, is the general coordinator
- María Delgado i Garcia, degree in Political Science and Administration and in Economics, editor-in-chief
- Mireia Romero Dorchín, degree in Applied Languages, editor
- Xavier Trilla, degree in International Business and Marketing (ESCI-UPF), director of communication
- Nil Codina, degree in Global Studies, Deputy Director of Communication
“The society we live in is more and more polluted by fake news and misinformation. Research is often misunderstood and seen as something old-fashioned. Considering that context, I think it’s essential for students to speak their mind. They have to seize the opportunity to contribute to research, to improve our world, and to make it intelligible to civil society. The EUSTT is the best place to give them a space to do so.” Marie Marchand, President of the EUTOPIA Student Council.
Related Assets
Catalan government
Catalan development cooperation aims to help prevent and respond to emergency situations. This page explains how you can collaborate on the provision of foreign aid both in general and to specific regions.
European Commission
Through cooperation and assistance programmes, the European Commission offers humanitarian aid and coordinates efforts with other international actors to promote peace and stability in war-torn regions.
Oxfam Intermón
Oxfam Intermón works in 90 countries. They have launched a fundraising campaign, which is more necessary than ever, given the magnitude of today’s wars. The NGO is also sponsoring a campaign to collect signatures to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a medical-humanitarian action organization that provides assistance in 70 countries to people threatened by armed conflicts, violence, epidemics or neglected diseases, natural disasters and exclusion from medical care. They have also promoted a campaign to collect signatures to ask for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Red Cross
The Red Cross also provides emergency humanitarian aid in regions in crisis.
Legal Clinic
The UPF Legal Clinic regularly holds talks and roundtables on the protection of human rights in crisis regions.
Libraries Without Borders
The Libraries Without Borders programme, sponsored by the Catalan Development Cooperation Agency (ACCD), offers Catalan public library patrons knowledge and insight into situations of human rights violations and provides resources to take action.
Council for At-Risk Academics
The Council for At-Risk Academics, in partnership with universities and higher education institutions, provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks.