Context and Challenge

Issues of democracy, its contents and culture as much as its form, define the political debate of our societies. In Europe, North America and other regions of the world, democracy is a major focus of public debate. Healthy democracies can only thrive and develop through open debate about the nature and future of democracy.

Yet, along with the global spread of democratic ideas and societies, a crisis of commitment to and practice of democracy persists. Democracy cannot exist without strong institutions and sound legislation, but it also cannot work without being based on democratic culture. Education and schooling are decisive forces shaping the democratic development of societies; and universities, in turn, are strategic institutions for the democratic development of schooling and societies.

A democratic culture encompasses democratic values, ways of knowing and acting, ethical judgments, analytical competencies, and skills of engagement. It includes concern for the sustainable well being of fellow human beings as well as of the environment in which we live. It includes awareness of and concern for human rights as well as openness to the cultural diversity of human experience and willingness to give due consideration to the views of others.

Higher education cannot remain indifferent to this challenge.

Council of Europe Higher Education Forum

The Forum was organized in close cooperation with the US Steering Committee of the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility and Democracy, comprised of the American Council on Education, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and Campus Compact. The European University Association (EUA) was closely associated, and other major European stakeholders will also be invited to participate.

The Forum gathered high level policy makers in North American and European higher education institutions and public authorities, as well as some higher education policy makers from other parts of the world. The purpose of the Forum was to explore the responsibility of higher education for advancing sustainable democratic culture and to invite participants to discuss a declaration and practical follow-up activities.

The Forum addressed a number of key issues such as

1. Fostering democratic cultures: inclusion, social cohesion and intercultural dialogue;
2. Promoting human rights and democratic citizenship: teaching, research and public engagement;
3. Building sustainable democratic communities: knowledge, actions and civic responsibility.

The Forum, the declaration and any ensuing activities are intended to initiate a common major awareness raising effort for the need to increase the commitment of higher education institutions to a democratic culture and sustainable societies.

Related documents

Speech by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe at the Forum on the Responsibility of Higher Education for a Democratic Culture
Read on the Council of Europe website

Programme Forum Responsibility of Higher Education for Democratic Culture 2006 - Programme

Synopses of speakers' presentations Forum Responsibility of Higher Education for Democratic Culture 2006 - Synopses

Declaration Declaration on the Responsibility of Higher Education for Democratic Culture - 23 June 2006