It's not the goal, it's the path, and many of those destined to transform society start out or start in the classrooms and corridors of our universities. Common places, where the restlessness, illusion and ambition of those who still have their lives ahead of them come together and -with it- the possibility that the world in which to deploy it will be a little better. Places of questions and, of course, answers. A transformative spirit that has marked the V International Meeting of Universia Rectors, organized by Banco Santander and which is probably one of the largest higher education meetings in the world.
An extensive program with discussion tables and work meetings took place under three channels: 'Accompanying training throughout life', 'Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation' and 'Promoting networks and interconnection'. The university is the epicenter of any advance and Valencia has captured all that potential, hosting 700 university rectors and academic leaders from 14 countries, some of the most recognized figures in the university system and 4,500 students and entrepreneurs.
The objective of this fifth edition, held on May 8, 9 and 10, has been none other than to analyze and claim the determining role played by higher education, as a key actor in the transfer and exchange of knowledge and research, for the advancement of society. A challenge that has materialized in a commitment called the Declaration of Valencia: University and Society, made up of seven principles that reflect the commitment acquired by all the actors involved to reinforce their support so that teaching, research and the transfer of knowledge give responses to all kinds of challenges facing society.
"Society has always seen in the University a beacon that illuminates the path to progress", reads this document signed by those present and which urges, among others, to reinforce the university's commitment to the well-being and progress of our communities, to extend learning throughout adult life, to provide students with a comprehensive education that includes multidisciplinary knowledge and transversal skills, and to facilitate student and academic mobility between universities.
The meeting, which has made Valencia the world capital of higher education, is part of Banco Santander's commitment to progress and inclusive and sustainable growth, with a pioneering and consolidated commitment to education, entrepreneurship and employability, which it has been developing for more than 26 years through Santander Universities. In 2022 alone, it has invested 100 million euros and granted scholarships or supported 266,000 people.
"Societies that invest the most in education grow sustainably, are more open and diverse, create greater opportunities for all and better deal with conflict resolution and future challenges," said Ana Botín, president of the entity, who took advantage of the meeting to announce that it will invest 400 million euros in promoting education, employability and entrepreneurship in the period 2023-2026”, reaffirming the link that exists between Banco Santander and the University.
"Convinced that there is no better social investment than that made in education, twenty-six years ago we decided to invest in the University," recalled the president of one of the most committed actors in higher education. An effort that translates into more than 2,200 million euros, with scholarships, continuous training and support for more than a million people through various specific programs aligned with the current demands and needs of the labor market: Santander Scholarships, which help to improve employability throughout life; Santander X, which supports those who run their own business and supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey; and Universia, which facilitates the incorporation into the labor market by connecting universities, companies and junior talent.
The seven principles of the Declaration of Valencia respond to some of the demands of young people in particular and society in general, aware of the relevant role played by the university, but not without its dangers. The most pressing: its disconnection with labor demand, as evidenced by the CYD Barometer on the quality of the university system, prepared by the CYD Foundation (Knowledge and Development Foundation). 53% of those interviewed believe that the adjustment between training and the labor market is little or not effective at all.
The university generates talent and competitiveness, but among the aspects in which citizens are most critical is that 70% of those surveyed consider that teaching is very theoretical and impractical, and for 48% the training received is not very adjusted to the demands of the labor market. In addition, 62% believe that not all people who have the interest and ability to study at the university can do so, and 60% believe that the scholarship system is insufficient.
The barometer also shows that 81% of Spaniards have a very good or good general opinion about the university, although they highlight some aspects that they believe need to be improved to achieve greater excellence. For example, 87% of those surveyed believe that it should be economically accessible to all and 46% believe that companies participate little in financing universities, Banco Santander being one of the largest rare birds working to reverse this scarce percentage.
