Different Meanings of Social Responsibility: 1st International Forum on University Social Responsibility

Higher education in the 21st century has been faced with various shifts in the political, economic, social and environmental landscape. Among these salient shifts is the rise of the Knowledge Society which emphasizes Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) relationship with society. In an era of a highly interrelated and interconnected world, HEIs are challenged to be globally competitive as well as reinvent themselves as being socially relevant and responsible by addressing the needs of the larger society. Active engagement with society opens avenues for exchanges, and hence needs to recognize multiple sources of knowledge.

Universities have embraced different approaches to ‘social responsibility’ – initiatives ranging from development cooperation, community engagement to social entrepreneurship. The varied interpretations and practices, mechanisms, actors and resources for university community engagement necessitates collective reflection and dialogue in order to better understand and pursue a more critical and integrated perspective.

Towards this end, Seoul National University’s Institute for Global Social Responsibility (SNUIGSR), a newly established institute to enhance SNU’s global activities regarding social responsibility, is organizing its 1st International Forum on University Social Responsibility under the theme “Different Meanings of Social Responsibility” in partnership with the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi), UNESCO Bangkok Office and UNESCO Chair on Community-Based Research & Social Responsibility in Higher Education. Dr Rajesh Tandon, Co-Chair and President, PRIA will present the first keynote address on Global Social Responsibility and Challenges for Higher Education Institutions at the forum.

This year’s forum will cover different approaches and practices of social responsibility and explore issues, opportunities and recommendations concerning university social responsibility. The forum will also serve as a platform to launch the Higher Education in the World Series 5: Knowledge Engagement and Higher Education: Contributing to Social Change published by GUNi.