Millennium development goals (MDGs), would not be achieved "if our knowledge producers are not active participants in developing necessary knowledge and values required for sustainable development, if they are not producing new generations for scholars and researchers and if they are not producing the critical thinkers that we need to invigorate democracy," said Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
The deputy president was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Association of Commonwealth Universities of executive heads conference in Cape Town on 25 April 2010.
He said that "with only five years remaining, it is opportune that this year's conference theme 'Universities and the millennium development goals' focuses on the progress made towards achieving these goals and the vital role that universities play in this regard".
Motlanthe said that universities are centres for the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, are key partners in monitoring progress towards the millennium development goals (MDGs) and seeking innovative responses to the challenges identified in the process.
He said, although it is generally accepted that the normative function of universities is to facilitate teaching and professional training, as well as the production and dissemination of theoretical and practical knowledge; higher education has an immeasurable seminal role to play in supporting social, economic and political development in society, especially for the developing nations like those in Africa and the Caribbean.
Motlanthe made an example with South African universities partnering with government in planning for sustainable development intended to address the scourge of poverty, challenges of skills development and the goal of shared economic growth.
He edged universities to "advance the public good by sustaining an informed and active citizenry, reducing economic marginalisation and inequality, advancing science and innovation, ensuring qualitative progress in human development", and said the "the Association of Commonwealth Universities is well positioned to make this contribution through the strategic partnerships it represents across the globe".
The conference, held at the University of Cape Town in the Western Cape province, is attended by members from different continents and from different regional bodies with the aim of finding common ground around the problems and solutions they share; concerns and challenges of meeting the demands of the 21st century that include, access to tertiary education, funding for higher education, maintaining quality teaching and learning, researching and innovation as well as meeting student's expectations.
Issued: The Presidency
25 April 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
