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14th – 15th November 2013

Budapest

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The Global Round Table - “2013 Budapest” is organised by:

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“The future cannot be predicted, it has to be invented.” Dénes Gábor, 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics

Table of Contents

Page

1. Letter from the European Parliament 5

2. Official Reception / Dinner: - Time and Place 6

3. Global Round Table: - Time and Place 7

- Programme 7

4. Suggested Discussion Guide 9

5. List of Participants 13

6. The Global Round Table briefly 19

7. Letter by the President of the European Commission 22

5

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RECEPTION and OFFICIAL DINNER

Time: 7 PM, 14th

November (Thursday) 2013.

Place: Hotel St. George Residence - Baroque Lounge

Fortuna utca 4, H-1014, Budapest

- Exhibited Sculptures by Mr. Gregor Gáll;

- Musical interludes composed and performed by Ms. Isis Gáll (harp),

accompanied by Mrs. Arielle Gáll (piano).

*

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ROUND TABLE

8.10 AM Transfer departure by minibus from Hotel St. George to

Pázmány Péter Catholic University Szentkirályi utca 28, 1088 Budapest

PROGRAMME

9:00 – 9:30 Registration and Coffee

9:30 – 9:40 1. WELCOME

Dr. Gilbert Fayl, President, The Global Round Table

Prof. Szabolcs Szuromi, Rector, Pázmány Péter Catholic University

Prof. Em. György Bazsa, Former President, Hungarian Doctoral and Habilitation Council

9:40 – 10:20 2. SETTING THE SCENE

Prof. Jerzy Buzek, President, European Parliament (2009 – 2012) Video message to the Round Table

Prof. Em. Christopher T. Hill, George Mason University

Prof David Bogle, Chair, Doctoral Studies Community, League of European Research Universities (LERU)/ Head, Graduate School, University College London

Dr. Lucas Zinner, Head, Research Services and Career development, University of Vienna

10:20 – 11:40 3. Leave to Explore – Return to Lead

IMPROVED PHD TRAINING QUALITY?

Moderator: Prof. Melita Kovačević, Chair, European University Association/ Council for Doctoral Education / Vice Rector, University of Zagreb

11:40 – 12.00 Coffee break

12.00 – 13.20 4. Leave to Explore – Return to Lead:

ENHANCED CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY?

Moderator: Prof. Momir Djurovic, President, Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts

13.20 – 13.40 Refreshments and Sandwiches

13.40 – 15.00 5. Leave to Explore – Return to Lead:

STRONGER SENSE OF IDENTITY?

Moderator: Prof. Ivan Ilchev, Rector, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

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15.00 – 15.20 Coffee break

15.20 – 16.00 6. CONCLUSIONS – ‘TOUR-DE-TABLE’

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó, Rector, University of Szeged

16.00 – 16.40 7. RECOMMENDATIONS – ‘TOUR-DE-TABLE’

Moderator: Prof. Ivo Slaus, President, World Academy of Art and Science

16.40 – 16.50 8. Follow-up

Rapporteur: Mr. Ulric Fayl v. Hentaller, Director, The Global Round Table

“Global Round Table Memorandum: FOLLOWER or LEADER”

16.50 – 17.00 9. Closing

Prof. Péter Szolgay, Dean, Pázmány Péter Catholic University

Dr. Gilbert Fayl

* 17.30 Transfer Departure by minibus from

Pázmány Péter Catholic University

to Hotel St. George Residence

19.00 – Working Dinner

Baroque Lounge

Hotel St. George Residence

Fortuna utca 4, H-1014, Budapes

* *

*

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SUGGESTED

DISCUSSION-GUIDE

Overall aim of the event: To formulate recommendations to enhance the quality,

usefulness and international visibility of PhD training in Central- and Southeast

Europe. Implementing the recommendations would contribute to tangible- and

intangible wealth creation – in particular, job creation, domestic economy and

industrial competitiveness, as well as knowledge-based capital including culture.

Focus: Optimal use of both opportunities abroad as well as novel academic interactions,

particularly beyond Europe.

Leading motivation: For PhD training only the best is good enough. Investment by

society in PhD training is a long-term investment for the greater societal good.

_________________________

Agenda point 3 - To improve PhD training quality.

Moderator: Prof. Melita Kovačević

Given the opportunities and potential new academic interactions offered through foreign training:

How to ensure high quality, properly structured international PhD training and incorporate foreign supervision into the structure?

How to ensure optimal selection of students best suited for international PhD training?'

How to identify best-suited potential academic and industrial partners, both inside and outside Europe?

What are the barriers to international co-operation? _________________________

Agenda point 4 - Enhance contribution to society.

Moderator: Prof. Momir Djurovic

Given the opportunities and potential new academic interactions offered through foreign training:

How should PhD schools promote transferable skills and prepare PhD candidates to optimally contribute to societal needs?

How to enable “first-class PhD candidates” to produce a “high-quality PhD thesis”?

How to enhance collaboration between PhD schools and industry, and improve the employability of newly graduated PhD candidates?

How to develop PhD graduates who are entrepreneurial as well as creative, rigorous and independent?

_________________________

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Agenda point 5 - To strengthen university identity.

Moderator: Prof. Ivan Ilchev

Given the opportunities and potential new academic interactions offered through foreign training:

How important is it for PhD schools to be internationally recognized for their distinctiveness and capacity in particular research (sub)areas?

How can such international recognition and reputation be achieved?

How would a targeted promotion strategy be useful and who should be in charge of ensuring its successful implementation?

_________________________

Agenda point 6 - Conclusions

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó

PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR DRAFT CONCLUSIONS

Two-way mobility counteracts “brain-loss” and benefits all.

First-hand experience of foreign scientific environments is the fabric for mutual

learning and gives scientific- and career advantages.

Visiting PhD students act as “ambassadors” of their home universities and can

attract excellent foreign PhD students. The latter could be particularly helpful,

considering the evolving demographic trends in Europe (aging- and decreasing

population).

For the Region, the Round Table participants concluded:

Several of the Regions’ PhD schools have the potential to become an internationally recognised LEADER in certain scientific (sub)areas.

National- and Regional authorities do not always pay sufficient attention to

this unique source of prosperity.

The key pre-conditions for such a privileged leading position include features as: established and recognised scientific uniqueness, capacity and research track record, current- and expected future supply of domestic- and foreign excellent PhD students, available scientific equipment (not relevant for certain areas such as theoretical mathematics) etc.

Understanding and good-will by relevant National- and Regional authorities

are essential, but often lacking.

When a PhD school has no potential capacity to become a leader – and still wishes to be better recognised internationally – it needs to carefully follow relevant scientific trends and actively participate in network building to be part of a cluster that is recognised.

Otherwise, the PhD school falls behind as a FOLLOWER of second rank.

_________________________

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Agenda point 7 - Recommendations

Moderator: Prof. Ivo Slaus

PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS

PhD schools represent the crown of scientific training Universities are able to

provide.

In order to fully utilise this immense resource, the participant of the Round Table

recommend:

Recognising the responsibility towards the investment made by society, PhD schools should – as far as possible – make every effort to become an internationally recognised LEADER in certain scientific (sub)areas of their unique strength. It would also enhance their attractiveness for excellent foreign students and supervisors.

PhD schools should develop their own specific approaches built on best

practice models – adjusted to their mission and scientific uniqueness, as well

as their research capacity, infrastructure, management and involvement with

non-academic partners (industry, commerce, museums, archives, charities

etc.).

Only with fully delegated institutional autonomy and adequate funding will the Region’s PhD schools be able to produce highest quality graduates, thus fulfilling their responsibilities towards society.

National- and Regional authorities must fully recognise these critically

important issues and act accordingly. Industry must help rewarding returning

PhD candidates with appropriate career opportunities.

Exchange of best-practice between relevant PhD schools in the Region and with the rest of the EU will lead to higher quality PhD training and better utilization of useful opportunities offered both in- and outside Europe.

An emerging network exists in the Region. It needs to be strengthened.

In the opinion of the Round Table participants, implementation of the above

recommendations would help to better demonstrate that investment in PhD training

is a wise societal investment with excellent pay-off in both short- and long term.1

The Round Table participants agreed to communicate the above findings

and recommendations to their respective national Rector Conferences and

relevant national Authorities.

As regards the European Union, the Round Table participants stress the

importance of the key recommendation formulated at the former Global Round

1 In this context it is useful to recall a recent lesson:

According to Esko Aho, the then the Prime Minister in Finland, responding to the deep economic depression of the early 1990s, the Government of Finland introduced harsh cut-and-save policies - “except for research and education where the Government increased public spending” (Ref.:

Esko Aho: Creating an Innovative Europe – the regional dimension, Keynote address at the European Regional Economic Forum, 14 June 2006, Nova Gorica).

Today, Finland tops the country competitiveness rankings ahead of major countries as the US, Japan, Germany, etc.

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Table main event (15-16 Nov. 2012, Budapest), and subsequently transmitted 2 to

the EU leaders, namely:

“In its Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2014 – 2020, the EU should

address the need for targeted funds to support PhD training in the Central-

and South-East European Region”.

*

It is the hope of the Global Round Table that the above Conclusions

and Recommendations will meet open ears by University leaders and

public Authorities in the Region.

* *

*

2 A Round Table delegation headed by HE Prof. Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania (1996

– 2000), presented the finding and recommendations of the 2012 Round Table to the relevant senior individuals at the European Parliament and the European Commission.

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2257704

In addition, Dr. Gilbert Fayl, President of The Global Round Table, transmitted the findings and recommendations to the Lithuanian EU Presidency (acting during the second halt of 2013) for distribution to the EU Member States’ leaders in connection with the preparation of the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework for 2014 – 2020.

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PARTICIPANTS

Prof. Em. György Bazsa, University of Debrecen. He was full professor of Physical Chemistry, still teaching it. Research fields: reaction kinetics, non-linear phenomena. He served as dean and rector of the university. He was president of the Hungarian Doctoral and Habilitation Council, Hungarian Rectors' Conference, Hungarian Accreditation Committee.

Dr. István Bilik, Secretary General of Higher Education and Economic Cooperation Association; Scientific Secretary of Central- and East-European Innovation Area Association. Previously Professor of Volcanology at Eötvös Loránd University, and Secretary General of Hungarian Rectors Conference.

Prof. David Bogle, Chair, Steering Group of League of European Research Universities (LERU) Doctoral Studies Community. Head of the Graduate School University College London; Professor of Chemical Engineering; Chartered Engineer; Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering; Fellow of Institution of Chemical Engineers. Member of the Board of the Engineering Council.

Prof. Katja Breskvar, Head of Doctoral School, University of Ljubljana. Responsible for doctoral education at the University and Bologna expert for Slovenia at Ministry of Higher Education and Science. Previously: Professor of Biochemistry at Faculty of Medicine, Vice-dean of the Faculty for two years and Vice-rector for ten years.

Prof. Momir Djurovic, Professor emeritus, electrical engineering, University of Montenegro. Has published 12 books, over 250 papers. Has consulted major electric companies around the world and few governments, conducted many international projects. Member of several national academies. President of Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. The Club of Rome member.

Dr. Gilbert Fayl, President, The Global Round Table. Formerly, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Prior, EU Commission: diplomatic service, and member of core team that conceptually developed the EU RTD Framework Programmes and their evaluation. Earlier, represented Denmark in international S/T co-operations.

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Mr. Ivo Grga, President of European Movement Split, ensuring civil society role in EU accession process and development. Attorney-at-law; representative at ECHR; member of Croatian Bar Association, specialised in civil-, business-, administrative- and human-rights law. Involved in cultural policies and regional co-operation. Postgraduate programmes CEU Budapest and IDLO Rome.

Mr. Emre Gönen, Advisor to the Rector, Bilgi University of Istanbul. Turkish political scientist specialized in EU affairs. Strategic advisor to the CPS Board; teaches European governance / European integration / European political history at the University. Author of numerous articles and five books on aspects of EU-Turkey relationship.

Prof. Niels Hansen, Senior Scientist, the Danish-Chinese Center for Nanometals. Advisory Professor, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China. Foreign Associate, US National Academy of Engineering. Foreign Honorary Member, American Academy of Arts and Science. Prior, Head of Materials Research Department, Risø National Laboratory, Denmark.

Mr. Ulric Fayl v. Hentaller, Personal Adviser to the Chairman, Hares Group; Director, The Global Round Table. Initiator of various European wide networks. Experienced adviser on European affairs, EU funding and projects. Formerly European Commission; Adviser to President of EASA, high-tech and start-up companies; Manager “Big Six” and international commodities-trading.

Prof. Christopher T. Hill, Emeritus Professor, Public Policy and Technology, School of Public Policy, George Mason University. Previously Mason University Vice-Provost for Research, prior Director of Ph.D. Program in Public Policy. Now Senior Fellow at Center for Science, Technology and Economic Development, SRI International, and Principal in Technology Policy International.

Prof. Erich Hödl, Vice President of European Academy of Sciences and Arts; Professor of Economics; Rector of Universities in Wuppertal (1991-99) and Graz University of Technology (2000-2003); Honorary Doctorate (Moscow); Member of Austrian Council for Accreditation; consulting various Governments, EU, UN. numerous publications on Economic Policy, Environment, Technological Policies.

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Prof. Ivan Ilchev, Rector, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. Dean, Faculty of History (2003-2007), Member Academic Council. Professor of Early Modern and Modern History of Balkan Peoples. Visiting lecturer in many foreign universities (USA, Japan). Author of numerous publications: monographs, articles, reviews, popular science articles, scripts for popular science films.

Katarina Jagic, ECQA Certified EU Project Manager; President Croatian Small Business Union / GEW Croatia Host; Entrepreneur, volunteer 15 years , visionary, motivator, partnerships builder. Active in GEW-Global Entrepreneurship Week, unique platform for start-ups. Experienced in EU funds. Member of the Boards : European Small Business Alliance; World SMEs’ Union.

Prof. Mihaela Koletnik, Vice Rector for Education, University of Maribor. Bologna expert for Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education and Science. Professor of Slovene language at Faculty of Arts. Previously: Head of Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures (2002–2007); Vice Dean for Research at Faculty of Arts (2011–2013).

Dr. Tomasz Kosmider, President, Founder, TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS Consortium/Foundation (TPF), a leading Polish R&D Institute association, employing over 1,500 researchers. Leader, International Expert in projects relating to the R&D sector, R&D management and enterprise restructuring. Member of EARTO and Knowledge4Innovation Boards. Holds a Ph.D., Warsaw University, Poland, and MBA INSEAD, Fontainebleau.

Prof. Melita Kovačević, Vice Rector for Research and Technology, University of Zagreb. Professor at Department of Speech and Language Pathology. Holds research and visiting positions at European and American universities. Member of various national and international societies. Particularly active in the area of doctoral education and research within the UNICA network.

Prof. Gabor L. Kovács, Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.- Professor of laboratory medicine at the University of Pécs; President of the Szentágothai Research Centre; Chairman of the Doctoral School on Clinical Sciences; Chair of the Medical Committee of the Hungarian Rector’s Conference.

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Prof. Norbert Kroó, Presidential Adviser, Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Among several memberships, he was the President of the European Physical Society. Research fields: laser physics and quantum optics, surface plasmon optics. Published 300 scientific papers, owner of 40 patents.

Prof. János Levendovszky, Vice Dean responsible for Scientific and International Affairs, Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Head of doctoral school of Computer Science, and Head of Research Council of the University. Full time professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

Prof. András Masát, Rector, Andrássy Gyula University Budapest. Previously: director of the Collegium Hungaricum Berlin; lecturer and professor at Eötvös-Loránd-University Budapest for Scandinavian Literature; guest professor at Humbolt-University and University of Vienna; vice rector and faculty director at Eötvös-Loránd-University; and scientific staff at University Göttingen.

Prof. Dusan Mesko, Vice Rector for Science and Post-gradual Study, Comenius University, Bratislava. Managing the PhD study reform at the University. He managed 6 projects funded by the EC, and 3 PHARE-TEMPUS projects. 3 times graduate of UNICA Master Class.

Jasna Matulic, Director NESEK Ltd. Creator of the innovative 'Integrated Local Development System' which contributes to bringing together experts from various fields with the aim of more efficient economic development at local communities level. Employer of young talented people giving them the chance to be creative and recognized.

Prof. Éva Németh-Zámbori, Head of Department, Corvinus University. President of the Doctoral Council of Natural Sciences, Corvinus University. Member of Doctoral School in Horticulture. Supervisor of 12 PhD students. Member of 7 national and 4 international scientific-professional societies and conference committees. Over 300 scientific publications.

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Prof. Mihály Posfai, Chair, Doctoral Council, University of Pannonia. Member of the Doctoral Council of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Professor of earth sciences. Helds visiting positions at foreign universities. His research focuses on environmental mineralogy problems.

Dr. Károly Rácz, President, Doctoral Council, Semmelweis University. Director of the 2nd Department of Medicine of the University. PhD diploma in 1986 (McGill University, Montreal, Canada). Scientific activity in basic and experimental medicine mainly in the field of endocrinology.

Mr. Slobodan Radicev, President, The European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers. Member of BFUG WG on Third Cycle. Currently finalizing his PhD dissertation at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. His studies and research have been awarded with some of the most prestigious scholarships in his country.

Prof. Jorma Routti, Chairman, CIM-Creative Industries Management. Former Director General of Research DG, European Commission. Prior: President of Sitra-Finnish Innovation Fund; Directed, World Bank study “Finland as Knowledge Economy – Elements of Success and Lessons Learned”; Professor at Helsinki University of Technology; Chairman of Finnish Cultural Foundation and Academy of Technology.

Prof. Ivo Slaus, President, The World Academy of Art and Science, and President of its South-East European Division. Memberships: The Club of Rome; The Pugwash Council; European Leadership Network. Dean University College for International Affairs and Diplomacy. Professor of physics.

Prof. Gábor Szabó, Rector, University of Szeged. Physicist, chairman of the Hungarian Association for Innovation, member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Research fields: photoacoustic spectroscopy, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, generation of femtosecond pulses, nonlinear optics, optimum control of quantum systems, medical application of lasers.

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Prof. Péter Szolgay, Dean in the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University Budapest, and scientific advisor at the Computer and Automation Institute of Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His research interests are parallel computing architectures, kilo-processor array computing, Cellular Neural Networks, sensory computations.

Prof. Szabolcs Anzelm Szuromi, OPraem. Rector, Pázmány Péter Catholic University. Member, State and Jurisprudence Committee of Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Member, Presidential Board of Hungarian Rectors’ Conference of Hungarian Higher Educational Institutes. President, PPCU. Member, Plenum of Hungarian Higher Educational Accreditation Committee. Doctor of Sciences in Law and Political Sciences.

Dr. Lucas Zinner, University of Vienna. Expert in the reform of doctoral education in Europe Head of Research Services, Technology Transfer and Career Development. Former Program Manager at Austrian Science Foundation. Involved in various international projects related to the Research – Education – Innovation triangle.

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May 2013.

TThhee GGlloobbaall RRoouunndd TTaabbllee –– GGRRTT

Building Tomorrow Together

The Global Round Table (GRT) addresses issues of global importance that require

more attention from political- and societal leaders, as well as issues that need to be

approached from innovative perspectives.

GRT is a unique non-party political initiative with the aim to improve the level and

quality of information available to economic- and political decision-makers.

The secondary aim is to provide inspiration to civil society leaders and the young

generation.

The initiative briefly

1. GRT is now in its tenth successful year. The main annual events usually take place in Budapest.

Findings and recommendations resulting from GRT events are useful input to policy- and decision makers. The positive impact can be attributed to the high gravitas of GRT while using low-key opportunities to get messages across.

2. H.E. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, UN Secretary General (1992 – 1996) and President of the International Panel on Democracy and Development, is the initiative’s Protector and High Patron. Prof. Ferenc Mádl (+), former President of Hungary, was the initiative’s first Protector and High-Patron.

3. The members of the International Advisory Board are: Prof. Giuliano Amato, Prime Minister of Italy (2000-2001); Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, President of the 36th General Conference of UNESCO; Dr. Erhard Busek, Vice Chancellor of Austria (1991-1995); Prof. Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania (1996-2000); Viscount Etienne Davignon, Vice-President of the European Commission (1977-1984); Mr. Mark Dubrulle, President of The Club of Rome EU Chapter; Prof. Mark Eyskens, Prime Minister of Belgium (1981); Mr. Hans Kaiser, Minister of Fed. Rep. of Germany (2003-2004); Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Ms. Hélène de Rode, Vice-President of the European Academy of Sciences; Prof. Ivo Slaus, President of The World Academy of Art and Science; Bishop László Tökés, Vice-President of the European Parliament (2000-2002); Prof. Viara Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia (1999-2007); Niels Wilhjelm, Minister of Industry of Denmark (1986-1989).

4. The co-operation partners include: the World Academy of Art and Science, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Hungary, and the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO.

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5. Moderators of GRT events included: Esko Aho (Prime Minister of Finland, ret.), Prof. Goverdhan Mehta (President of the International Council for Science), several members of the GRT International Advisory Board, National Academy Presidents; Members of various High-Level Advisory Boards, etc. Prof Jerzy Buzek, then President of the European Parliament, opened one of the events.

Overall Scope

6. GRT is an innovative non-party political initiative with the aim to improve the level and quality of information available to economic- and political decision-makers.

The secondary aim is to provide inspiration to civil society leaders as well as the young generation.

7. It is a unique novel approach for best practice exchanges with socio-economic relevance across generation-, national- and cultural boundaries.

Critical issues of our time are addressed from diverse perspectives in a constructive and complementary manner. The issues must have relevance beyond short-term, narrow national focus and interests and bearing on innovation.

Uniqueness

8. GRT is direct and immediate – intellect and concentration is required. Papers, presentations and monologues are not allowed. On a case-by-case basis around 30 individuals are invited to the GRT events.

9. The outcome is presented in written- and audiovisual forms. A professional film-team records the discussions and prepares the highlights in a variety of media formats. These include DVD and webpod-casting and are distributed free of charge in large numbers.

10. The modern format makes it more easily approachable by society at large and ensures the continued value-added of the GRT events.

It also makes it well suited as educational material at university- and high-school courses and helps young people to better appreciate the importance of interdisciplinary issues, as well as cultural, ethical and consensual values, including responsibility towards society. As a side effect, young people experience the use of English language in international discussions.

11. The outcome also helps decision- and policy-makers and industry leaders to understand the young generations’ concerns about their own futures.

International Recognition

12. The GRT’s unique and innovative value-added is well recognised by heads of state and government, political- and civil society leaders, educators, members of the Club of Rome, etc. Its outcome has been noted and quoted by top-politicians and policy makers.

13. Some of the more prominent examples of the support in writing for the GRT initiative are from: President Bill Clinton, Ministers and National Parliament members from various countries, and current and former Presidents of the European Parliament, EP members.

Immediate Usefulness

14. The participants are brought together in a novel configuration that gives new “angles” from which to address particular critical issues. Cultural and other prejudices are broken down as trust is developed on a direct and personal level.

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15. GRT findings and recommendations often impact policy- and decision makers directly in their choices. This impact can be attributed to the high gravitas of GRT while using low-key opportunities to get the message across.

As an example of this effect, the recommendations of the 2008 were handed personally to the President of the European Parliament, who used these verbatim during a live BBC-TV interview a few hours later. Another example: the Chinese Embassy has reported GRT findings to its Government.

16. The discussions are recorded, prepared and proposed in a variety of media-formats that show people that there are various solutions and approaches to every issue.

It shows constructive approaches to handling diverging opinion in a globalised world to reach positive results. Several student associations are requesting that the GRT help them develop similar initiatives for students from conflict regions.

Main Themes

17. Main themes to date have included:

– Inter-Generational Dialogue: with specific emphasis on talented youth;

– Need for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurs: with focus on awareness and challenges for young entrepreneurs;

– Matching Skills with Needs: with focus on educational reform to address economic skills mismatch;

– Intercultural Business Dialogue: with focus on responsible sustainable growth in Europe, India, People's Republic of China and the USA;

– Unleashing Potential of Youth for Entrepreneurship: built upon the findings of previous round-table discussions;

– What We Do Best: discussed the current unprecedented global challenges that require novel approaches and broad co-operation;

– Education, Motivation, Occupation: discussed how to give youth hope for the future;

– Limits to Sustainability: four decades after the Club of Rome’s “Limits to Growth” the issue of “Limits to Sustainability” was addressed;

– Sustainability of Cultures: discussed that cultures impose ethical and moral obligations that go far beyond simple material obligations;

– TESLA PRIZE: initiated to find and honour geniuses (individuals and organisations) who work to improve conditions for humanity around the World - thus inspire to act in a more responsibly and compassionately;

– NOBEL PEACE PRIZE for the European Union: four-year-long worldwide campaign (also described on the EU’s own website; and recognised by the President of the European Commission – see the next page);

– PhD training in Central- and South-East Europe: identified issues for improvements of the highest-level university training in the Region.

18. Recipients of the recommendations emerged from the round-table discussions included: Heads of States, Members of the Group of Eight (G8), National Government Ministers, President of the European Parliament (EP) and Chairs of relevant EP Committees, President- and senior officials of the European Commission, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, National Academy Presidents, President of the European University Association, international entrepreneurs, academics, etc.

* *

* G. Fayl / U. Fayl v. Hentaller

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