Sustaining the Future of Higher Education

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If you think this forum is about recycling, think again! This forum address the critical role of higher education professionals in preparing their organisations for the future, be they senior leaders, policy makers, academics, researchers or practitioners. 

The world is changing, and our society, environment, economy and labour market are transforming at a rapid pace. The evolving societal, political and economic landscape has led to increased demands on higher education institutions to make their contribution and benefit to society more visible. European and national policy developments call for the university to embrace a transformation process and to be more proactive in strengthening our critical stance and role as a knowledge institution and champion for truth, evidence and science. There is a new emphasis on the need for higher education institutions to listen, learn and engage on issues of common concern; to cooperate and cohere with the European Higher Education Area; to welcome the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and to contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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Our greatest challenge in recent years is to maintain the most cherished aspects of our core values, while simultaneously responding to the threats and opportunities of an ever-changing world. Students, concerned for their future, have become powerful activists, honing our attention on the climate change crisis and global inequalities. Our young people rightfully demand that higher education institutions evolve to play an integral role in the development of the future global economy, society and the environment.

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The best way to predict the future is to invent it! Lets invent the future of higher education together at the 42nd EAIR Forum, which will focus on the role and influence of higher education in a rapidly changing world. How critical is higher education to a sustainable future? What  are the responsibilities of higher education institutions and professionals in developing sustainable governance, management and educational practices? What is the role of Higher Education in preparing professionals to live and work sustainably? How do we develop the social foundations, character and morals of the next generation professionals? As an agent for positive change, how can higher education equip learners with the attributes and values that will empower them to take action for a more sustainable future? Are we doing enough to prepare our students as socially minded, engaged citizens, who seek solutions to global challenges? How do we evolve as professionals and as organisations to sustain the future of higher education in an ever-changing world?