The Role of the University in Bridging Civilizations

Respect, mutual understanding and co-operation are the cornerstone of multi-ethnic nations and the fundamental values of the university. They guarantee the free exchange of opinions and promote the cultural enrichment of students and academics by interactions with other civilisations. Universities in nearly all countries of the world are among the first social institutions to practice global integration. In a time of a supposed “clash of civilizations”, universities can serve to transform this presumed conflictual paradigm into an “appreciation of civilizations” both on the national and global platforms.

In August 2008 the 20th International Conference on Higher Education (ICHE) took place in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, hosted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the (UKM), the National University of Malaysia.