University presidents from all over the world meet in Hamburg

“All over the world the higher education sector is developing without restraint and at a very rapid rate into a private university system with a high degree of social selectivity,” says Prof. Dr. Dieter Lenzen, initiator of the Council and president of Universität Hamburg. “Important national differences and the achievements of other educational traditions are in danger of disappearing.”

With the Hamburg Transnational University Leaders Council, the organisers are bringing decision-makers from universities on all continents to one table. Its central concern is to consciously shape the process of worldwide university development, which has so far been driven by global competition.

“This meeting provides an opportunity to define positions,” explains Prof. Dr. Horst Hippler, president of the German Rectors' Conference. “We aim to encourage an open exchange in an intimate atmosphere, free from specific national and supranational obligations. Universities are under considerable economic pressure. Frequently they are the playthings of political developments.

At the same time, if we want our societies to be innovative and mobile, we need universities to be creative and independent. We will discuss these inconsistencies with reference to such core issues as university access, educational justice, the financing of teaching, learning and research, and the differentiation of the university landscape.”

“International understanding requires dialogue formats and hosts – this not only applies in foreign and economic policy. We are delighted that university presidents from all continents have accepted our invitation to reflect on shared values here in Hamburg,” says Dr. Lothar Dittmer, member of the Executive Board of the Körber Foundation.

“Ideally, we will succeed in strengthening the voice of reason which is collectively present in the universities worldwide in a time marked by numerous international conflicts.”

Further information
Interview opportunities (please enquire via the press contact):
Prof. Dr. Dieter Lenzen, President of Universität Hamburg
Prof. Dr. Horst Hippler, President of the German Rectors' Conference
Dr. Lothar Dittmer, member of the Executive Board of the Körber Founda-tion

The conference agenda, the list of participants and further information on the conference can be found at http://www.htulc.de

Contact
Ms Eeske Anne Wykhoff
Press Officer
Körber Foundation
Tel +49 40 808 192-177
wykhoff@koerber-stiftung.de

http://www.htulc.de