World Universities Congress

First World Universities Congress (WUC)

The inaugural World Universities Congress (WUC) was held at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Turkey from October 22-24, 2010. The congress aimed to discuss the responsibilities and duties of universities in addressing global problems.

Leadership and Participation

President: Prof. Dr. Ali Akdemir, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University
Co-Chair: Prof. Dr. Enver Duran, Rector of Trakya University
Honorary President: Prof. Pier Ugo Calzolari, former Rector of Bologna University and Vice President of the International Association of Universities (IAU)

The congress brought together 250 universities, rectors, academicians, politicians, and representatives from 50 countries, including Australia, Germany, the USA, and several European, African, and Asian countries. A total of 400 papers were published, and approximately 500 speakers contributed to the congress.

Key Themes and Discussions

Evolution of the University Concept: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives
Understanding and preventing global climate change
Preventing global terrorism
Eradicating global poverty
Solving global migration problems
Eradicating inequalities in income distribution
Eradicating injustice in healthcare services
Eradicating inequality in educational opportunities
Proposing solutions for environmental pollution
Preventing regional conflicts and promoting world peace
Protecting cultural heritage
Developing permanent solutions for rapid population growth
Enhancing non-governmental organizations impact on local and international development

Declaration and Recommendations

Following the congress, a declaration was released, emphasizing the need for universities to expand their roles and missions to address global problems. The declaration recommended that universities:

Become active participants in responding to societal issues
Take on new roles, such as peacemaker, mediator, entrepreneur, and initiator
Make recommendations to authorities and administrators
Reconstruct their institutions to offer solutions to global and chronic problems
Cooperate and interact with NGOs and other institutions
Train professionals, employees, administrators, and leaders who can respond to the needs of a changing world

World Universities Congress

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