I have participated in IAUP activities since 1980 when the late Dr. Luis Garibay, former President of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico and President of IAUP (1987-1990) invited me to join him in IAUP activities.  In 1981, during the VI Triennial Conference of Costa Rica – the first ever Triennial Conference in Latin America – I became involved in the IAUP initiatives with the United Nations, including the founding of  the University for Peace in Costa Rica and the proposal to the UN for the creation of the Year of Peace.  I was also asked by Dr. Garibay to expand a network of IAUP Rectors through the creation of organizations in Latin America and the establishment of linkages with other parts of the world, including Asia. This would prove very useful for the future work of IAUP.

In 1984 I became Secretary General-Elect during the VII Triennial Conference of Bangkok, Thailand. The King of Thailand was present at this IAUP Conference. Participating in this Triennial Conference a bit more from the inside as an officer-elect, I became aware of the great potential of the IAUP.   Here was a network of educational leaders from around the world exchanging ideas and projects, many that worked and some that did not, in a very open and friendly atmosphere. This special atmosphere – the sense that you are among friends – is one of the great treasures of the IAUP and one that should be cherished.

The second conviction I had from the beginning of my participation in IAUP was that this organization could not only influence worldwide organizations, such as the United Nations, but truly have an impact on the quality of education around the world. It was also the best vehicle to carry out the purest kind of diplomacy, the one that has no political restrictions and does not dictate the direction to follow. Through IAUP we could accomplish worldwide understanding and friendships, while promoting academic collaboration in all of its forms. I felt that I had to dedicate my best efforts to this association for as long as possible and for as long as its leaders wanted. In fact, it became my best worldwide network to date.

I became Secretary General of the IAUP in 1987 during the presidency of Dr. Luis Garibay. I served as Secretary General again for the triennium 1990-1993 with Dr. Rafael Cartagena, President of the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus. The 1990 Triennial Conference had been held with resounding success in Valladolid, Salamanca and Leon, Spain, with the presence of the King and the Queen of Spain. I was elected for the third time to serve as Secretary General from 2005 to 2008 under the presidency of Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit (President of Siam University) in Thailand. For the triennium 2011-2014 I have been ratified to serve again as Secretary General-elect of the IAUP.

Left to right, standing: Nibhond Sasidhorn, 4th IAUP President, Alvaro Romo, Young Seek Chou, 2nd IAUP President, Leland Miles, 3rd IAUP President, Luis Garibay, 5th IAUP President, and Yukiyaso Harano, former Secretary General.  Sitting: Kan Ichi Miyaji, 7th IAUP President, Rafael Cartagena, 6th IAUP President, and Edward Walsh, former IAUP Vice President

 

As I served my second term as Secretary General, I collaborated with the incoming Japanese leadership in the preparation of the 1993 Triennial Conference. It was during this term of 1990-1993 that the series of IAUP Conferences on Human Resources Development was initiated. I was lucky to participate in all eight conferences of the series held throughout the world. As a result, my relationship with Asia grew.  I felt then that the future of this region would be a bright one.

In 1996, the History of the IAUP: the First 30 Years was published under the leadership of Dr. Kan Ichi Miyaji, who served as IAUP President from 1993 to 1996, and his team. I was privileged to participate and provide modest collaboration in this valuable project. I also had the privilege of participating in the two events organized jointly by the IAU (International Association of Universities) and the IAUP, the first event was held in Monterrey, Mexico during the 2002-2005 triennium and the second one in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the current triennium 2003-2005.

One of the initiatives that will have great importance in the future of IAUP was the creation of the Council of Senior Advisors. I participated in its formation during the presidency of Dr. Luis Garibay (1987-1990). However, it was not until very recently, September, 2007, in Seoul, Korea that we held the first formal meeting of this Council. These leaders from various sectors of society have much to offer IAUP, and they are already making a difference.

Over the years I have seen IAUP mature as an organization. I believe we are now at a time in its history when IAUP can become the largest, most vigorous and innovative association of its kind. All the elements are present for this to happen. The current leadership of IAUP and those who will become its leaders over the next six years have the opportunity and the challenge to take IAUP to the fulfillment of its ultimate development phase, to make it grow, to preserve its tradition and history, but also to reach new heights in terms of programs that will benefit each member, as well as the various regions of the world.

Such is the impact of education: there can be no meaningful development without it.  There is no economic growth without an educated populace; there is no significant social or cultural development without education. We need to educate our world to protect its environment and to strive for peace. These are the truly transformational changes our societies need, now more than ever, and they are the ones that can be fostered best by educating our students for global citizenship.