Secretary-General, Applauds Academia’s Transformative Power, Saying University Presidents’ Initiative Raised Global Awareness of Need for Lasting Stability

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the International Association of University Presidents Triennial Conference, in Vienna today:

I thank the International Association of University Presidents for supporting the United Nations.  As someone who began my career in academia, I recognize and value your transformative power.  Your initiative to establish the International Day of Peace raised global awareness about the need for lasting stability.

I trust this conference will reflect on how to harness the immense knowledge you collectively represent to help people who are struggling.  War, poverty and human rights abuses take a heavy toll on millions of civilians worldwide.  They deserve peace, opportunities and justice.

I am delighted so many youth join you.  They give voice to the Academic Impact’s ASPIRE initiative:  Action by Students to Promote Innovation and Reform through Education.

The United Nations aims to foster a culture of intellectual social responsibility through our Academic Impact initiative — which this Association helped create.

Let us continue to join forces for a better future.