Global cooperation of universities explores sustainable human development
The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University handed over the presidency of the AC21 consortium to Prof. Arnold van Zyl, Rector of the Technische Universität Chemnitz
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During the General Assembly Prof. Hayman Russel Botman (r.), Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, handed over the presidency of the AC21 consortium to Prof. Arnold van Zyl, Rector of the Technische Universität Chemnitz. Photo: Katrin Schulz -
In his plenary address, Arnold van Zyl stressed the key role institutions of Higher Education play in innovation and regional development. Photo: Katrin Schulz -
The meeting in Stellenbosch followed the theme Science for Society: Higher Education as Builder of Hope. Photo: Katrin Schulz
A group of renowned universities has joined forces in an international knowledge coalition for sustainable human development. During the 7th International Forum of the Academic Consortium for the 21st Century (AC21), presidents and high-ranking delegations from nineteen of the world`s leading education and research institutions came together at Stellenbosch, South Africa, to promote worldwide cooperation in education and research.
Following the theme Science for Society: Higher Education as Builder of Hope the meeting addressed the instrumental role of international knowledge coalitions to face the global challenges of sustainable economic, social and human development.
From 13 to 16 April 2014, the AC21 International Forum deepened and strengthened the partnerships between universities from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Northern America. Hosted by Stellenbosch University, South Africa, the keynotes, meetings and talks during the International Forum explored novel types of cooperation across and between developing and developed regions around the globe that embrace the critical role, Higher Education plays in furthering economic progress, technological advancement and social well-being. As such, Higher Education institutions in Africa and throughout all parts of the world play a constructive role in regional and international development.
Expanding AC21`s global network, the University of Canterbury was welcomed as a new member organization. Founded in 1873, the University of Canterbury is New Zealand`s second-oldest university. Among its notable alumni, the University of Canterbury counts several political leaders, writers, entrepreneurs and Nobel Prize Laureates.
In accord with AC21`s statutes of collective governance, during the General Assembly Prof. Hayman Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, handed over the presidency of the AC21 consortium to Prof. Arnold van Zyl, Rector of the Technische Universität Chemnitz, Germany. Before taking up his position at the Technische Universität Chemnitz in April 2012, Prof. van Zyl served as Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Stellenbosch University.
In his plenary address, Arnold van Zyl stressed the key role institutions of Higher Education play in innovation and regional development by linking research, education and industry with civil society and politics.
Facts about AC21
The Academic Consortium for the 21st Century (AC21) was established in 2002 at the International Forum hosted by Nagoya University, Japan. It is an international network comprising of educational, research and industrial organizations throughout the world. AC21 brings together the presidents and high-ranking delegations from twenty of the world`s leading education and research institutions.
(Author: Katrin Schulz)
Katharina Thehos
22.04.2014
