UPF to host the third Times Higher Education Young Universities Summit
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.
UPF to host the third Times Higher Education Young Universities Summit
With the title “How disruptive young innovators challenge the traditional elites”, the summit will deal with the specific challenges facing the youngest universities.
On 5, 6, and 7 April on the Ciutadella campus, UPF is to host the third Young Universities Summit, organized by Times Higher Education with the participation of speakers from higher education institutions from around the world. With the title “How disruptive young innovators challenge the traditional elites”, the meeting aims to address the specific challenges facing the youngest universities.
The programme, which can be consulted on the summit website, addresses strategic issues for the future of the youngest universities such as strategies for raising funds, the relationship with alumni, the importance of the brand and branding, international relations and the policy of networking, the relationship with the productive sector, new technologies applied to teaching, and the quality and impact of research. In this regard, the summit also aims to be a space for discussion and reflection among the different leaders of the world of higher education; a space to address future challenges together, share ideas and strategies and put the role of the youngest academic institutions on a global stage.
During the meeting, Times Higher Education will also announce the ranking of the 150 best universities in the world under the 50 years of age. The summit, which is a part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Pompeu Fabra University, will enjoy the sponsorship of Banco Santander through Santander Universidades.
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.