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Background
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In responding to the multiple imperatives that drive
our global knowledge-based economy and society, national governments
recognize the need for high quality higher education for all.
Preparing its citizens for the 21st century by sustaining or developing
a globally competitive research/innovation base and raising
employability skills are goals pursued by most, despite different
national contexts. Gaining access to learning, and successful
participation in higher education is becoming essential for
all.
As a result, most countries, even if their capacities to fulfil them
differ widely, have set goals to increase the share of the population
with higher education and/or broaden access to higher education for
individuals that are under-represented because of socio-economic
status, race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, [dis]ability or
location.
Against this backdrop, and noting a renewed sense of urgency, IAU
adopted Access and Success in Higher Education as one if its priority
themes during the 69th IAU Administrative Board Meeting (Alexandria,
Egypt, November 12-15, 2005). It mandated an international Task
Force of experts, chaired by Professor Jose Ferreira Gomes, (University
of Porto), to further the work on this topic.
This was not the first time that IAU has focused on issues related to
the topic of Access to Higher Education. The Section on IAU
Activities retraces some of the past work of the Association.
Among other principles,
IAU believes that:
- Equitable access to quality learning contributes
significantly to the development of national human resources, promotes
social justice and cohesion, enhances personal development,
employability and, in general, facilitates sustainable development;
- As a global association of universities and other
higher education institutions, it needs to express its commitment to
promoting the twin goals of equitable access to, and successful
participation in, higher education for all members of society;
- Broadening access is compatible with academic
excellence;
- Further work calling for equitable access is
essential and reinforces the Association’s commitment, adding value to
a global dialogue, moving the agenda towards action and building
awareness of this important issue in all parts of the world.
If you would like to share information on Access (upcoming conferences,
articles, seminars, research papers, innovative policies etc.) please
contact: iau@iau-aiu.net
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