Linking universities to the sustainable development of the country

By María Josefina Arce

Universities are called to contribute to the materialization of the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals to move towards a better world, more equitable, fair and caring for its great biodiversity.
 
These centers are responsible for the training of professionals from different branches of socioeconomic life, who with their knowledge and skills can do so much to improve their environment.
 
With the aim of promoting dialogue, reflection and coordination of actions on this issue, the Thirteenth International Congress on Higher Education University 2022 opens its doors in Havana next Monday.
 
"University and Innovation, for a Sustainable and Inclusive Development" is the slogan of the meeting, which for the first time will be held in a hybrid modality due to the presence in the world of COVID 19, but as in previous editions will have a wide participation of academic authorities, professors and students.
 
The Cuban government has expressed its political will to advance the nation's progress, making full use of knowledge and the results of scientific research in all fields.
 
Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel has repeatedly called for this, given the positive and direct economic and social impact that science and innovation can have at the national and local levels.
 
The National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030, aligned with UN objectives, gives a leading role to education, innovation and scientific research.
 
Cuban universities are involved in all the strategic sectors included in the plan, such as health, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, construction and local development.
 
The incorporation of Tarea Vida, the Cuban state's plan to confront climate change, into the centers of higher education stands out, guaranteeing the training of professionals committed to the search for alternatives that will increase the resilience of their communities and country.
 
The challenge is enormous, as it requires not only an inclusive education for all, but also quality education, keeping up to date with the constant global advances in various fields.
 
Education, particularly higher education, with the knowledge and innovation capacities it possesses, is vital to forge alliances with all sectors and work towards the future called for in the 2030 Agenda.