HIGHER EDUCATION IN 21ST CENTURY:VISION & STRATEGIES

Higher education has given ample proof of its viability over the centuries and of its ability to change and to induce change and progress in society. Owing to the scope and pace of change, society has become increasingly knowledge-based so that higher learning and research now act as essential components of cultural, socio-economic and environmentally sustainable development of individuals, communities and nations. Education is a fundamental pillar of human rights, democracy, sustainable development, peace, and shall therefore become accessible to all throughout life and that, measures are required to ensure co-ordination and co-operation across and between the various sectors, particularly between general, technical and professional education as well as between universities, colleges and technical institutions. In this context, the solution of the problems faced in the twenty-first century will be determined by the vision of the future society and by the role that is assigned to higher education. In other words, it is the duty of higher education to ensure that the values and ideals of a culture of peace prevail and that the intellectual community should be mobilized to that end. INTRODUCTION