Debate among personalities from the world of science, politics and business
The three day event took place under the heading of "University and Society. It was officially opened by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, and Ana Botin – Executive Chairman of Santander Group. Speakers included personalities from the worlds of science, politics and business, including Tim Berners-Lee – the inventor of the World Wide Web, Larry Summers – the former Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton's administration and Chief Economist at the World Bank, Ignacio Cirac – Spanish physicist and the winner of the 2006 Prince of Asturias Award, Pilar Manchón – Google's Senior Director of Engineering and AI Research Strategy.
The meeting participants considered how universities could work even more effectively in three areas:
- lifelong learning,
- entrepreneurship and innovation,
- promoting networks and interconnectivity.
Santander will invest an additional €400 million in education
At the opening ceremony, Ana Botín confirmed the Santander Group's continued support for universities.
We will invest an additional €400 million between 2023 and 2026 in education, boosting employability and supporting entrepreneurship. There is no better social investment than education. That is why, 26 years ago, Santander decided to focus its efforts on supporting universities. When we support universities, the whole community – more than one billion people in the countries where Santander operates – benefits. As universities grow, society follows suit
– Ana Botin, Executive Chairman of Santander Group.
As part of its commitment to universities, Santander has already invested more than €2.2 billion in higher education, funding scholarships, projects to support lifelong learning and assistance for more than one million students through agreements with more than 1,500 institutions in 25 countries.
"A society that invests in education develops in a sustainable way, is more open and diverse, creates opportunities for all and can face the conflicts and challenges of the future" – explained the Executive Chairman of Santander Group and Universia. During the meeting, she called on rectors and experts to "think with ambition" in terms of the mission of universities in an ever-changing society that "acts as an interconnected network and removes barriers between the digital and physical worlds. (...) Lifelong learning is essential in society and among companies; it is not a luxury, but rather a necessity" – she noted, referring to the skills and knowledge that universities should impart and to the importance of lifelong learning.
Work of the Polish delegation
The meeting also included a workshop for the Polish delegation. The Rectors, together with the Santander Bank Polska representatives including the Chairman of the Management Board of Santander Bank Polska – Michał Gajewski, Vice President of the Management Board – Arkadiusz Przybył and Board Member – Magdalena Proga-Stępień, discussed the challenges and opportunities for Poland in relation to sustainable development and digital transformation.
The event was a unique opportunity to discuss the future of the academy and, above all, its role in society in the age of the digital and environmental revolution. The strength of a modern university is demonstrated by how close it is to society, what it can offer to society and how. The university has always functioned in society, but now this context resonates even more strongly, locally and globally. The role of the university is to reach as far as possible with knowledge, which is made possible thanks to technology
– Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska, Associate Professor, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Relations
Valencia Declaration
The commitments developed at the 5th Universia International Rectors' Summit were written up in the 'Valencia Declaration'. It reflects the commitment of rectors and the academic world to the development of society.
Previous editions of the summit were held in Salamanca (2018), Río de Janeiro (2014), Guadalajara (2010) and Seville (2005). The organiser of the meeting, the Santander Group, has continuously supported sustainable development aimed at eliminating social exclusion. For 26 years, the bank has distinguished itself from global financial institutions with its work to support education, entrepreneurship and increase employment. (www.santander.com/universidades).
Source and photos: Santander Group
Edit: Communications and PR Centre of the University of Lodz