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15 June 2021 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Free State, South Africa, invites us to rethink our relationship with the world in a series of ‘Courageous Conversations’ on the theme of ‘The Global Citizen’.

Prof Petersen argues that COVID-19 has been a powerful ‘disruptor’ - it has given us a stark reminder of the need to rethink our identity, of where we belong, our ‘normative’ view of citizenship – if we want to secure long-term survival of our civilisation and the environments which support it.

Powerful voices from public life, intellectuals, public interest and business leaders, academics, naturalists, religious leaders, astrophysicists, economists, and ecologists, and others, will be invited to share and debate their views.

Global Citizen courageous conversation launch
In partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce based in the United Kingdom, the series launched on 26 May 2021, in a discussion with Prof Petersen on the concept and context of his thinking and how the series will roll out.

If you were unable to join the webinar you can watch the replay on YouTube, or visit the South African Chamber of Commerce website where you'll find recordings of previous webinars.

Join our next Global Citizen conversation on 17 June 2021 with a discussion led by the Chancellor of the University of Free State, Prof Bonang Francis Mohale, a published author and respected business leader who has held chairmanships and directorships at some of South Africa’s top companies, on how we educate for Global Citizenship.

Educating a ‘Global Citizen’ – June 17, 2021 15:00 SAST
We have pleasure in inviting you to the United Kingdom - South African Chamber of Commerce’s next ‘courageous conversation’ with University of Free State Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Petersen in his series debating ‘The Global Citizen’.  

Eminent South African business leader and UFS Chancellor, Prof Bonang Mohale, will join Prof Petersen to unwrap the role universities can play in creating a ‘Global Citizen’ mindset to effect material change in a constantly evolving and turbulent international world.  

How do universities produce research, and graduate alumni who go out into the  world, to drive and reflect the bedrock value of Global Citizenship namely that of mutual respect, for others, for all creatures, and the environment which sustains us all?

A university education can be a powerful way to push the ‘reset’ button on the baggage of upbringing and our histories - personal, cultural, national, racial – which shape our world view.  

Universities can promote informed self-reflection, curiosity, and tolerance as a driving force in how we shape our realities, understand our prejudices, promote tolerance, and animate life in a better world.  Prof Petersen and Prof Mohale will reflect on how universities can accelerate and respond with greater agility to this challenge.

Kindly RSVP for the event.

 

 

News Archive

Disruption of academic activities on the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein Campuses
2017-10-18

This morning, a group of students blocked the main entrance of the Qwaqwa Campus and handed a memorandum to the campus management. Academic activities were cancelled and will resume tomorrow (Thursday 19 October 2017).
 
Disruption of some academic activities occurred on the Bloemfontein Campus this afternoon after a meeting of students took place at the Student Lekgotla. Members of the executive management subsequently met with the Bloemfontein Campus Student Representative Council (SRC).
 
It was agreed that the students want to take part in a march to the provincial government office, demanding free education and the release of the Heher Commission’s Report on the feasibility of fee-free higher education and training by President Jacob Zuma. The executive management supports peaceful protests on matters that are of concern to our students and indicated that the march should include staff and students from the UFS and Central University of Technology, as well as other relevant stakeholders. A memorandum will be handed to the executive management tomorrow.
 
The situation on the Bloemfontein Campus is under control and is being closely monitored. Academic activities on the campus will also continue as normal tomorrow.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393

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