University of Cambridge Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Relations Eilis Ferran attended the inaugural two-day Paris summit of the U7+ Alliance of universities from 18 countries across the globe this week.
University of Cambridge Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Relations Eilis Ferran attended the inaugural two-day Paris summit of the U7+ Alliance of universities from 18 countries across the globe this week.
It was inspiring to hear from so many other University leaders who share Cambridge's determination to tackle the great challenges that lie before us in the 21st century
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Eilis Ferran
The U7+ summit brought together 47 universities from G7 countries and beyond, who are committed to academic freedom and scholarly values and convinced of the key role of universities as global actors, to engage in discussions leading to concrete action to address pressing global challenges.
Professor Ferran was invited by U7+ Alliance organisers Sciences Po to be one of five University presidents and representatives to carry conclusions from their discussion groups to a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who sponsored the summit as part of his preparations for the G7 summit in Paris later this year.
"It was a great honour for Cambridge to be invited to summarise some very stimulating discussions on how universities can help to confront the global challenges facing us all for a leader with an important voice at the G7," Ferran said.
The summit provided a unique opportunity to discuss a common agenda and establish a framework for action in today’s global landscape, resulting in a 2019 Presidential Declaration, which included a mission statement and the adoption of six agreed principles.
The principles included commitments to pursue joint action through the U7+, recognition of the responsibility to train and nurture responsible and active citizens, to address environmental challenges, to combat polarisation in society, to promote interdisciplinary research, and to consolidate and share best practices worldwide.
"It was inspiring to hear from so many other University leaders who share Cambridge's determination to tackle the great challenges that lie before us in the 21st century," Ferran said. "We can all clearly see that collaboration is vital if we are to mitigate threats to humanity such as climate change and to ensure that rapid technological change works for the benefit of society."
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