Knowledge, Action and Hope: A Manifesto

UNESCO Chair in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education based at the University of Victoria (UVic) and the Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), co-directed by Prof Budd L Hall and Dr Rajesh Tandon, supports North-South-South and South-South partnerships that build on and enhance the emerging consensus in knowledge democracy. It strengthens recent collaboration between the Higher Education section in UNESCO, the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI), Global Alliance on Community University Engagement and other regional and global networks. It co-creates new knowledge through partnerships among universities (academics), communities (civil society) and government (policy makers) leading to new capacities; new solutions to pressing problems related to sustainability, social and economic disparities, cultural exclusion, mistrust and conflict; and awareness among policy makers; enhanced scholarship of engagement; and of social responsibility in Higher Education.

Dr. Budd Hall and Dr. Rajesh Tandon, our Co-Chairs, produced a manifesto, which outlines the purpose of knowledge and the common realities faced by humanity. It sets forth the idea that 'new forms of knowledge legitimation in support of the public good' necessitate renewed support. Read the complete manifesto (English) here. Read the complete manifesto (Spanish) here.