The Democratic Mission of Higher Education
“In keeping with the values of democratic and equitable societies, public authorities should ensure that higher education institutions, while exercising their autonomy, can meet society’s multiple expectations and fulfil their various and equally important objectives, which include:
- preparation for sustainable employment;
- preparation for life as active citizens in democratic societies;
- personal development;
- the development and maintenance, through teaching, learning and research, of a broad, advanced knowledge base.”
The democratic mission of higher education is therefore at the heart of the Council of Europe’s work. This is notably demonstrated through the organization of several conferences aiming to reflect the social and democratic responsibility of higher education, in partnership with the International “Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy” and the European Wergeland Centre.
Conference "Higher Education for Diversity, Social Inclusion, and Community: A Democratic Imperative"
June 15-16, 2017 | Rome
The 2017 Global Forum is sponsored by the Council of Europe; the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy; the European Wergeland Centre; and the host universities, LUMSA University and Australian Catholic University.
Democracy is faced with serious challenges, including mistrust of democratic institutions, increasing political, educational, and economic inequalities, alienation, rising intolerance, and rejection of cultural diversity. Higher education must play an essential role in building a culture of democracy based on furthering inclusion, recognising the value of diversity, and fostering democratic communities.
This is the fifth global forum that has developed as a core component of the ongoing partnership between the Council of Europe and the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as well as social cohesion and intercultural dialogue through higher education.
Conference “Higher Education for Democratic Innovation”
June 25-27, 2014 | Belfast
Organized by the Council of Europe (CoE); the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy (IC); the European Wergeland Centre (EWC); Queen’s University-Belfast, the European Students’ Union, with the Talloires Network as a sponsor.
This conference was part of the cooperation between different partners committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as well as intercultural dialogue to promote social harmony and justice, and the belief in the key role of education in furthering these goals. The conference venue was selected given the important work that Queen’s University-Belfast has done in building bridges across communal divides in Belfast and, more broadly, Northern Ireland.”
Website of the conference “Higher Education for Democratic Innovation”
Conference “Reimagining Democratic Societies: A New Era of Personal and Social Responsibility?”
June 27-29, 2011 | Oslo
Sponsored by the Council of Europe; the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy; the European Wergeland Centre; and the University of Oslo, in cooperation with the International Association of Universities and with support from the Norwegian authorities
This conference was part of the cooperation between different partners committed to promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law as well as intercultural dialogue to promote social harmony and justice, and the belief in the key role of education in furthering these goals. The conference was also part of the events marking the 200th anniversary of the University of Oslo.
