International University Conference to Begin Next Week in Havana

The Eighth International University Conference will begin on Monday, February 8 in Havana to discuss several issues concerning universities around the world and their relevance. Among the activities taking place during Universidad 2010 is the first international workshop on Universities, food security and sovereignty, in relation to the recent Copenhagen Climate Change meeting and UNESCO focuses

The Eighth International University Conference will begin on Monday, February 8 in Havana to discuss several issues concerning universities around the world and their relevance.

Among the activities taking place during Universidad 2010 is the first international workshop on Universities, food security and sovereignty, in relation to the recent Copenhagen Climate Change meeting and UNESCO focuses.

The director of Science and Technology at the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education, José Luis García Cuevas, who is in charge of the conferences academic program said another focal discussion point will be the privatization of education.

García Cuevas said that the conference will provide a wide action framework of support to promote the universalization of several aspects of university education including collective masters and doctorate programs, and the standardization of school credits and degrees, and strategies to ward off the commercialization of higher education.

More than 2,000 delegates from 50 countries have confirmed their participation in the conference including some 1,000 Cubans. Other activities include roundtable discussions, the presentation of more than 2,000 research papers and 45 high-level conferences with the participation of 20 Education ministers and 200 university presidents.

On Monday, there will be several preconference courses offered and an exhibition showcasing the achievements of the Cuban higher education system.