The role of the university as an agent of social transformation

Abstract

When discussing social transformation in the university context—and particularly at this university—it is only natural that we recall the efforts to foster dialogue for peace with justice undertaken not so long ago by those who led the UCA. I will focus my remarks on three points. I will begin by speaking very briefly about the struggle for peace waged by my fellow students who were murdered in the midst of that work in 1989. I will continue by recalling, from the very origins of universities, the university’s mission to introduce new dimensions of social relations into communal life and to foster harmonious relationships through knowledge and learning as principles of social organization. And I will conclude by reflecting on the role universities must play in the face of social conflicts, and especially in post-conflict situations. Of course, these are tasks that, as you will see, correspond to obvious academic imperatives, but which become more urgent during and after a country suffers a devastating social conflict, such as war or internal violence.