In Pursuit of Global Equity: What Universities Can Do

Abstract

As seen by a rank outsider, there is no sign of consensus when it comes to the proper role of the developed world with respect to the undeveloped, of the north with respect to the south. Despite some clear and obvious successes, deep mistrust and confrontational disagreement seems to be endemic among and within governments and peoples, both undeveloped and developed, north and south, around the globe. There is no shortage of reasons - colonialism and other burdens and scars of history rank high among them.

But these are times of great and historic change. The end of the Cold War, the affluence of the West, economic globalization and rapid technological change together provide an unparalleled opportunity, and urgent necessity, for dealing with the problems of the Third World – in short, for vigorously pursuing global equity. We should and must seek to raise the quality of life in less developed countries to appropriate and acceptable standards, narrowing the gap between the two halves of the world.

What can universities do? My answer is that universities have a distinctive role to play by focusing on what they do best - educating students, from wherever, to their own institutional standards of excellence and relevance. Not projects, but students. Educate them. Interact with them after they graduate and return home. Support them intellectually. The road is long and there are no short cuts.