EuroEducation 2008

International conference on higher education

22 September, 2008, Barcelona, Spain

The Europe Business Assembly (EBA), in partnership with The Club of Rectors of Europe (CRE) hosted ‘EuroEducation 2008’ at the Catalan Parliament building in Barcelona, Spain.

The mission of the EuroEducation conference is to consolidate the world’s academic and scientific community. The objective is to unite and coordinate the work of higher education institutions with the aim of improving educational methods and scientific research around the world.

The day conference first saw presentations on new developments by a range of Universities from across Europe; including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Spain and Austria.

The conference chairman, Prof Wil Goodheer of the International University of Vienna also considered the challenges facing higher education and the professional market in Europe. Looking at business partnerships and revenue streams.

The last part of the conference was a debate on water rights. This was chaired by Eduardo Mestre Rodriguez – Representative of World Bank, Director of Tribune of Water, and Dean of International Network of Basin Organizations, Spain

When asked during ExpoZaragoza 2008 – “Is water a limited asset?” he replied:

“There is no water shortage. Shortage is a topic that involves technology, culture and acceptance of the administration of a public asset. Let’s give another example: In the city of Los Angeles the use per capita is 400 litres a day. Compared with this, in Zaragoza, with a very similar water use, the consumption of water is around 100 litres per inhabitant per day. Over the last decade and a half in Zaragoza, the reaction has had nothing to do with the water, but with culture, which I believe is a beautiful thing. The fact that there are now 50,000 people committed to good practices is unprecedented. It is an extremely interesting civic and cultural movement and it is really worth highlighting; seeing how human beings can react in this manner makes one very happy.”

This set the tone of the debate, balancing technological responses with cultural change.

The day was completed in style with a ceremony which saw the investiture of new CRE members and EBA awards. These saw several delegates presented in front of the conference participants in the Catalan Parliament building.

At this event, awards were given for Quality, Enterprise, Leadership, and Promoting European Unity. Several notable individuals were also bestowed with an honourary professorship from the International University of Vienna.

EBA also arranged time for the delegates who wished, to spend time in Barcelona. This allowed participants the change to relax and visit Barcelona’s historic sights. In this more informal setting, new friendships and partnerships between participants could be formed. Everyone got a good taste of Spanish culture, but also that of each representative country, allowing a deeper level of understanding to be formed.

or more information on our 2009 conference, please contact the organising committee at link@ebaoxford.org.uk or telephone 0044 1865 251122.