The 5th Universia International Rectors’ Summit was held from 8th to 10th May in Valencia. The event under the slogan “University and Society” was attended by Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector.

Almost 700 academic leaders from 14 countries, many politicians and representatives of business took part in the Universia International Rectors’ Summit. The event was opened by Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister. 

“The discussions were focused on good practices and results of university-business cooperation. The University of Warsaw is highly committed to this kind of cooperation, not only in comparison with other Polish universities, but also universities from the USA, Europe and Latin America. Excellent presentations on the future of science and the need for cooperation with business were given by Prof. Larry Summers from Harvard University, Sarah Harper from the University of Cambridge and representatives of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),” Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector said.

Over 3 days of the summit, the participants led an unprecedented discussion in order to provide solutions about how universities can contribute to taking on a number of the challenges that humanity faces, in pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable society. 

The debate was centred around three issues: 

• supporting lifelong learning,
• boosting entrepreneurship and innovation,
• promoting networks and interconnectivity.

The conclusions from the meeting were published in the Valencia Declaration on University and Society.