UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals in the Black Sea Region: From Science to Implementation
The Congress theme was selected based on the assessment of the emerging themes and trends in higher education systems globally, that interest equally the Rectors of BSUN, stakeholders and interested parties, decision-makers and key actors in higher education.
As it is widely known, in 2015 the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this document, the heads of UN member states have committed their countries that: “Until [..] 2030, to end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. [..] also to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all, taking into account different levels of national development and capacities.”
According to the document, “By 2030, [..] the signatory states have to [..] ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”
In a world facing dynamic, complex and fundamental changes, such a commitment is a Grand Challenge for all countries including, the countries of our Region.
Universities are also part of such an ever changing environment, which requires them to change their methods and shift from their core knowledge to also include greater emphasis on skill and attitude development. The current challenges in all fields of education require to include scientific research approaches in all taught programmes. With the growing availability of technology-enhanced learning there is a clear role for them with regards to the delivery of knowledge, allowing flexible modes of study and an efficient learning experience for many.
At the same time, universities bring together expertise from different disciplines in research and education and provide a unique environment for exploring and developing new ideas. They are therefore ideally placed to enable the development of robust and effective solutions to addressthe challenges of our region. The BSUN Congress is a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas that attracts various contributors from different disciplines. BSUN 2018 Congress is an opportunity to rethink the role of universities in light of regional and global societal transformations.