As the G7 prepares to convene in Hiroshima, the world faces significant challenges to peace and security. Armed conflict or threats of conflict in many regions have resulted in violations of human rights and, for the first time in a generation, there is an open threat of nuclear warfare.
From the University of Mannheim, President Prof. Dr. Thomas Puhl and Prof. Dr. Thomas Fetzer, Vice President for Strategic Planning, Internationalization and Equal Opportunity, took part in the meeting in Japan. Since last year, Puhl has been one of eight members of the Presidential Steering Committee, which represents the Alliance to the outside world.
In a joint statement, the members of the international university alliance call on G7 leaders to invest in peace and security education for learners of all ages and to always incorporate the latest research findings into peace and security policy. They should also diversify the range of stakeholders involved in high-level policy discussions on peace and security and defend academic freedom.
The presidents of the U7+ universities adopted the statement unanimously. The statement was delivered to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday, 15 March, in his capacity as 2023 host to the Group of Nations (G7).