Peaceful, just and inclusive societies are necessary to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To advance the SDGs in general, and SDG 16 – peace, justice and strong institutions more specifically, we need effective and inclusive public institutions. Governments, civil society and communities must work together to implement lasting solutions, and universities must take a leading role.
The objective of this international forum is to analyse this role that universities, besides their essential knowledge generation and educational activities, can and should play in support of justice, peace and human rights to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. We will take into account the universities’ policies and their relationship with public entities, and collaboration and partnerships with other social agents. Our approach will involve universities, governments and non-governmental institutions.
At the inaugural THE University Impact Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Forum, leaders and experts on these issues from higher education institutions and leading organisations will meet to share research, ideas and solutions to address these pressing issues that impact the implementation and development of effective, accountable and fair institutions.
This global event is organized by Times Higher Education (THE) with the University of Deusto (Bilbao, Spain), and takes place in Bilbao on February 20-21, 2020. This is a free event and registration is open. Information about the conference can be found at this site:
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/forums/impactpeace/2020/
The summit will explore a universities’ power to unite people under common values, to promote inter-cultural understanding, to transcend short-term diplomatic difficulties, and to develop practical solutions to help build and strengthen communities. Speakers include directors of the Public Policy Institute (University of Auckland), Institute for Women, Peace and Security (Georgetown University), Programme on International Peace and Security (University of Oxford), Sarajevo School of Technology, CRUE Universidades Españolas, International Studies and Diplomacy - SOAS (University of London, Interfaith peacebuilding (George Mason University), University of Deusto, etc.
The summit will feature an exclusive new data analysis, created for this event, drawing from Times Higher Education’s pioneering University Impact Rankings, which look at an institution’s impact on society, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 16 examines “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, which would be the overall focus of this meeting.