WeDiscover Days Barcelona: EUTOPIA and the challenge of European cities
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.
WeDiscover Days Barcelona: EUTOPIA and the challenge of European cities
One of the main missions of EUTOPIA is to prepare the future generations to face the constant changes and challenges that our society is experiencing.
Higher education is undergoing a radical transformation not only because today's world demands it, but also to adapt to what is already known as the university of the future.
So the aim is to prepare students, staff, teachers and researchers to become empowered European citizens for today's disruptive world.
To achieve this, some practices are already being carried out such as adjusting organizations to current demands, creating spaces in line with the regions to increase and intensify the Europeanization of the programs offered and sharing and developing common approaches to build the universities of tomorrow.
First stop of the Open Innovation Challenge
Thus, as a starting point for the Open Innovation Challenge, the axis of Working Package 4, called Place Making, of the EUTOPIA project, the Pompeu Fabra University organizes the WeDiscover Days Barcelona. This ambitious event will be held on 28, 29 & 30 October 2020.
A series of events that will be possible thanks to the joint work, efforts and close collaboration with experts, institutions, cultural centers and other local entities and industries. The objective is to discuss the current social problems that the main European cities are going through today.
The WeDiscover Days Barcelona will help students start their discovery and research process to acquire knowledge beyond the university campuses. From the student's perspective, and with the motto “from local to global”, EUTOPIA participants will be inspired by the problems and concerns of our society, seeking practical solutions that can also be applied on a global scale.
Virtual scenario adapted to the new higher education horizon
It is important to highlight the fact that, given the current situation, the WeDiscover Days Barcelona, except for a few colloquia, will be completely virtual. One more example of the great adaptability that universities are showing.
With a program that will include conferences, talks, activities, visits and workshops, students will rethink about and reflect on issues related to some of the main Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
- Climate Emergency
- Transport and mobility
- Healthy Food / Sustainable food production and consumption
- Social Inclusion / Fighting Inequality
- Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
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.