QU Hosts the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2023 Conference

[Link]

Qatar University (QU) hosts the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2023 Conference under the theme 'Higher Education with Impact: The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue.'

Through dynamic sessions, with over 100 university leaders and 40 speakers, the IAU 2023 Intercultural Conference explores how universities around the world promote and support intercultural learning and dialogue, the impact geopolitics is having on this goal, and the broader implications it has for our society.

The three main plenary sessions of the conference are on the 'Intercultural Imperative in a De-globalizing World,' 'Opening Knowledge for Humanity in an Interconnected World' and 'The Impact of Geopolitics on the Future of International Cooperation,' in addition to a number of breakout sessions.

During the opening, QU President Dr. Omar Al-Ansari said, "Our efforts to foster intercultural learning and competence is not only limited to how we view others. In fact, we believe evolving as individuals is necessary for understanding them and is also important to leading change and creating impact on a greater scale."

"I believe we can better lead a higher education institute to create platforms that serve as arenas for impactful discussions. At Qatar University, we encourage this in many ways. One being through supporting and hosting international conferences and forums, to bring together leaders, scholars, and experts of diverse backgrounds. In doing so, we enhance our students' appreciation and respect for others and set the ground for our graduates, who are the future leaders, to thrive in a globalized world."

"As we commence discussions on intercultural learning and dialogue, we cannot fail to mention the Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve them, we need to acknowledge and address the challenges we face collectively and openly. Through the local, regional, and international partnerships- including academic, governmental, industrial and NGOs - we are building a strong foundation to ensure real, meaningful, and effective actions are taken. As universities, we need to be at the forefront of driving the change needed through transformational education, research, and community engagement."

Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice Chancellor and President of Murdoch University in Australia said in his speech, "The International Association of Universities was established in 1950 under the auspices of UNESCO as part of the UN effort to promote peace in the aftermath of World War II, part of the worldwide effort to ensure that the world is never at war again. At the time, leaders realized that understanding between nations and between peoples and cultures was an important part of maintaining peace, and that dialogue could happen effectively through universities around the world by bringing them together. In this context, the theme of today's this year's conference 'Higher Education with Impact,' the importance of intercultural learning and dialogue is more important than ever."

"It is important that all of our universities are part of the International Association of Universities. It's one way that we can show that we are united, that we are committed together as universities to promoting peace, to promoting a sustainable future and to promoting people working closely together once again."

In the margins of the conference, the Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) Cluster will convene to exchange on good practices and strategic approaches for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the different universities in the cluster. Launched in 2018, the IAU Cluster on HESD promotes the role of higher education institutions in building more sustainable societies. It is a consortium of IAU Member universities from all parts of the world, working in collaboration to develop existing and new exciting initiatives to achieve the SDGs adopted by all United Nations Member States in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The HESD cluster encourages a holistic approach to the SDGs, promoting the whole institution approach, where institutions aim to embed sustainable development in their strategic planning, academic and organizational work.

Gala Dinner

To inaugurate the conference, a gala dinner was held for participants at the Museum of Islamic Art, the night preceding the opening ceremony, during which HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al-Sulaiti Deputy Speaker, Shura Council, Qatar, discussed Qatar's efforts in supporting education locally and internationally, and its support for other countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development.

HE Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti said, "Qatar plays a role in enhancing dialogue between cultures and civilizations, achieving reconciliations, and resolving conflicts. Since joining the United Nations in 1971, Qatar has embodied its political and developmental approach in its relations with the United Nations and its member states, supporting the organization's goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030."

"In line with its belief that education is the key to accessing all doors of knowledge in life, and its crucial role in building sustainable societies capable of withstanding and confronting all challenges, Qatar has adopted education as one of the key pillars of its Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar prioritizes education as the most important means of human development, contributing to national development and assisting in addressing development-related issues globally."

"Qatar takes pride in having an excellent education system that has consistently ranked high in international and regional indicators of education quality for several years. Within this educational system, Qatar has been committed to promoting equal opportunities. As a result, Qatari girls and women have gained a prestigious position in receiving quality education and progressing in all stages of education. Due to this emphasis on higher education, the participation rate of Qatari women in the labor market has increased, with Qatari women holding the majority in the fields of education, health, and social work."

QU President Dr. Omar Al-Ansari welcomed guests to the Gala Dinner and said, "We are delighted to host this conference at Qatar University, and I welcome all attendees and welcome to the State of Qatar, and we thank our distinguished colleagues at the International Association of Universities for giving us this opportunity to host the conference. The theme of this year's conference is about the role of education in bringing cultures and civilizations closer and encouraging dialogue, and this topic is very important in a world that is becoming increasingly divided, and we hope that we, in the field of education, can improve even a small part."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.