SUM Rector Ivan Lobanov is part of the Russian delegation at the Ministerial Conference on Higher Education at UNESCO Headquarters
More than 100 ministers of higher education are participating in a Meeting on Inclusion and Mobility at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris as UNESCO intends to adopt a Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and improve equitable access to education.
The Russian delegation, headed by the Minister of Science and Higher Education Mikhail Kotyukov, includes the Rector of the State University of Management, Head of UNESCO Chair ‘Societal, Legal and Ethical Frameworking of Knowledge Societies’ and Vice Rector of the State University of Management, UNESCO Chair Executive Director Svetlana Malkarova.
In her opening speech, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay noted that the international community is currently facing growing disagreements and needs cooperation. UNESCO plays a very important role in this context.
We are facing a divided world. This division is caused by unequal opportunities, imbalances in education, gender and ideological differences and other problems. The global community should seek durable solutions through cooperation, solidarity and multilateralism. I would like to thank the ministers and UNESCO chairs who responded to our invitation. You are the ones who will be discussing these important issues,
said Audrey Azoulay.
Launched in 2011, the Global Convention aims to help about 8 million students and teachers who are involved in academic work outside their home countries to gain recognition for their acquired skills and academic work done in different countries.
Russia is one of the most attractive countries for foreign students. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education provides free enrolment quotas for foreign students, under which 15,000 foreign students were admitted to Russian universities this year. We also support African countries. Talented school students have the opportunity to enrol in Russian universities based on the results of the Olympiads. Agreements on recognition of their diplomas have been signed with 70 countries,
said Mikhail Kotyukov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, in his speech.
The dialogue between ministers and representatives of youth organisations also addressed the promotion of education, scientific and technological development, the use of blockchain in the recognition of diplomas, academic mobility and access to education.
The representative from Malaysia noted the high importance of international cooperation,
The global exchange of knowledge is essential for education to thrive.
Iselin Nybø, Minister for Research and Higher Education of Norway, pointed out that education is a basic right, and the development of academic mobility is a priority,
International cooperation in Norway today is a solution to global problems. Our goal is to provide opportunities for half of Norwegian students to study abroad. There is no question of should we study? There is just the question of where we should we study.
Alejandro Blancas from the Latin American Youth Organisation spoke about the availability of education in the region he represents and the challenges faced,
It is crucial to keep in mind that academic mobility should be accessible to all students. In Latin America, it is expensive. It is a barrier that must be overcome. We are going through a difficult period, and there may also be some associated difficulties.
It is expected that the Global Convention, to be elaborated during the discussions, will aim at promoting academic mobility, improving the quality of higher education institutions and enhancing international cooperation in higher education.
Дата публикации: 14.11.2019