Universities' Role in Fostering Peace, Tolerance, and Empathy Among Students
President Dr Arif Alvi recently emphasized the crucial role of universities in promoting peace, preventing intolerance, extremism, and violence among students. In his address at the National Vice Chancellors' Peace Conference in Islamabad, President Alvi highlighted the need for universities to actively engage in shaping a positive mindset among students. He stressed that banning student unions is not a solution and instead advocated for teaching methodologies that can change the mindset of students. This blog post will delve into the President's remarks and explore the significance of universities in fostering a peaceful and tolerant environment for a better future.
The President's Call for Action:
President Alvi urged universities to organize regular capacity-building training sessions for their management and faculty members. The goal of these sessions would be to equip them with the skills to inculcate conflict resolution abilities and counter extremism among students. The President argued that by focusing on proper teaching methodologies, universities can play a pivotal role in reforming students and encouraging them to contribute to the country's sustainable peace and prosperity.
Promoting Ethics, Morality, and Empathy:
President Alvi emphasized the importance of promoting ethics, morality, empathy, forgiveness, and tolerance among students. He stressed that universities should strive to create an environment where students are not engaged in activities that induce stress and conflict. By instilling these values, universities can foster responsible citizenship and help shape students into good human beings.
Challenges and Priorities:
President Alvi acknowledged the ongoing crisis faced by the nation and highlighted the need to streamline the country's economy, reduce inflation, poverty, and enforce the rule of law. By addressing these priorities, the President expressed his optimism that the country would experience exponential growth within the next five to seven years, ultimately standing on strong footings once again.
The National Vice Chancellors’ Peace Conference:
The two-day conference, titled "Academic Discourse on Countering Extremism – The Way Forward," was jointly organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and the Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness (SFEA). This conference served as a significant milestone in implementing the Peace, Advocacy, and Community Engagement through Transformation (PACT) for Tolerance project. The project is built on a foundation of collaboration and cooperation between SFEA, HEC Pakistan, NACTA, and other stakeholders at the policy level.
The Role of Universities in Conflict Resolution:
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed also addressed the pressing issue of conflict within society during the conference. He emphasized that conflict permeates various sectors, including families, and therefore requires a collaborative and coordinated response. In addition to providing education, universities, as beacons of knowledge and enlightenment, bear the responsibility of fostering responsible citizenship and producing morally upright individuals.
Conclusion:
President Dr. Arif Alvi's call for universities to actively engage in preventing intolerance, extremism, and violence among students highlights the crucial role educational institutions play in shaping a peaceful and tolerant society. By conducting capacity-building training sessions and promoting ethics, morality, empathy, and tolerance, universities can guide students towards a positive mindset. The Vice Chancellors' Peace Conference serves as a significant step in implementing projects aimed at countering extremism and fostering a culture of peace. With collaborative efforts and a focus on essential priorities, Pakistan can overcome current challenges and pave the way for a prosperous and peaceful future.