University 2014 Begins in Havana, Cuba

The 9th edition of the 2014 International University Congress begins sessions today in Havana, focused on issues of social responsibility at those high education centers.

Under the slogan “For a Socially Responsible University,” some 3,000 delegates, among them 1,000 from Cuba, are attending this event, running until Feb. 14 at Havana’s Conference Center, organizers stated.

Challenges in the current world and higher education, the university role in creating a better world, and sustainable development will be many of the issues to be discussed in workshops, round tables, and plenary sessions.

Cuban Higher Education Minister Rodolfo Alarcon said at a news conference that this Congress will mark the way of the university contribution to a better world.

More than 1,000 international papers were already chosen, as well as 580 from Cuba, to participate in the event, the official said.

He highlighted the Venezuelan delegation as that of largest presence, followed by Brazil, with 592 works, as well as Mexico with 360, and Angola with 109.

Alarcon confirmed the participation in University 2014 of recognized figures, among them Brazilian theologist Frei Betto, Peace Nobel prize-winner Adolfo Perez Esquivel, and political analyst Atilio Boron, who will give keynote speeches.

As part of the issues to discuss will be regional integration to promote exchange of professionals, scientific research and development of graduates, Cuban First Deputy Higher Education Minister Jose Ramon Saborido said.

University 2014 includes several collateral events and specialized visits to centers of interest of higher education in Cuba.