The new Council of Europe Higher Education Series book "Higher Education Leadership for Democracy, Sustainability and Social Justice" was launched in an online event organised by the International Association of Universities and the Council of Europe, with the participation of the authors of the book. The publication emphasises higher education's role in addressing issues like democratic erosion, deepening inequities, and anti-intellectualism. Authors from Europe, the United States, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa contributed to the book, collectively stressing that higher education must shape individuals' attitudes, values, and skills to influence societal behaviour. The discussions highlighted the essential role higher education plays in guiding society towards a more just and sustainable future.

Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, opened the event, along with Ira Harkavy, Founding Director of the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania and Chair of International Consortium, and Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU). 

Other speakers included Ahmed Bawa, Professor at the University of Johannesburg, Marcelo Knobel, Former 12th Rector of the University of Campinas in Brazil, Martina Darmanin, Former President in the European Students Union (ESU) (2021-22), and Ronaldo Munck, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Engaged Research at Dublin City University.

The publication was the result of the Global Forum on higher education leadership for democracy, sustainability, and social justice that the Council of Europe, the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy, the Organization of American States, and the International Association of Universities co-organised at Dublin City University in June 2022.

The recording of the webinar is available here.