The World women university presidents forum kicked off yesterday, Friday 24 May, in Henan province, China. Among the personalities attending this prestigious event is Dr Debora Kayembe, Honorary Rector of the University of Edinburgh.
Today, Saturday 25 May, Dr. Debora Kayembe captivated the audience with her insightful speech, drawing on her vast experience and expertise in the academic field.
Indeed, the hall at Huanghe S & T University witnessed an inspiring moment when Ms Debora Kayembe took to the stage to share her lifelong dedication to the defence of human rights. In her speech, she offered a summary of her relentless fight against racism, inequality and her efforts to protect vulnerable populations, including children, refugees and migrants. Dr. Debora Kayembe has dedicated her career to the defence of human rights, working tirelessly to create a just and equitable society. Her work, marked by a deep commitment to justice and compassion, serves today as a powerful example for leaders in all sectors.
Continuing her address, Dr. Kayembe urged the distinguished participants to join her in the quest for a better world – a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the colour of their skin, their gender or their place of birth. This enthusiastically received message resonated deeply in the room, inspiring a renewed commitment among the academic leaders present to defend human rights and foster inclusive communities within their institutions and beyond. Dr Kayembe’s call highlighted the critical need for collective action and solidarity to address global challenges and build a future based on respect and equality for all.
Dr Debora Kayembe stresses the urgent need for an ecological civilisation in the face of climate change
Dr. Debora Kayembe stressed the urgent need to foster an ecological civilisation in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. She underlined the many threats that this phenomenon brings, making life unbearable and causing devastating natural disasters.
The Rector of the University of Edinburgh called for collective awareness and immediate action to adopt sustainable and ecological practices. She highlighted the serious consequences of global warming, such as more frequent storms, floods, droughts and rising sea levels, which are affecting millions of people around the world, particularly the most vulnerable communities. Highlighting the need for a global and integrated approach, Dr. Debora Kayembe encouraged the academic leaders present to work together to develop effective strategies to combat climate change.
Education, the basis of all progressive civilisation
Addressing the august gathering of the Forum of Women University Presidents, Dr Debora Kayembe stressed the crucial role of education as the key to any progressive civilisation. She shared her personal story, her inspiring journey and her vision of always pushing back the limits imposed by society.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Kayembe grew up in a society where higher education for women was considered a taboo. Despite obstacles and prejudice, she pursued her passion for education with unwavering determination. She described how her vision, stronger than any societal constraints, drove her to defy the odds and rise to the top of the higher education world.
Her exemplary journey is living proof that nothing is impossible and that gender in no way determines a person’s skills or abilities. Dr. Debora Kayembe encouraged the members of the assembly to promote education for all, regardless of gender, and to support women in their quest for knowledge and leadership.
She stressed that education is a powerful lever for change, capable of transforming lives and societies. In her view, investing in the education of women and girls is essential to achieving an equitable and prosperous society. She urged the leaders present to use their influence to create educational opportunities and to dismantle the cultural and institutional barriers that still too often prevent women from reaching their full potential.
A conclusion followed by a call to change our thinking system
Concluding her address to the Forum, Mrs Debora Kayembe reminded the assembly that the world as we see it is nothing more than a reflection of our thoughts. And that we cannot change the world without first transforming our system of thought.
With these wise words, Dr Kayembe called on all the women university presidents in the room to work tirelessly for the development of the world. She stressed that change begins with individual and collective awareness, and that academic leaders have a particular responsibility to promote progressive and inclusive mindsets.
At the same time, she encouraged her colleagues to be catalysts for change, using their position of influence to inspire, educate and guide future generations towards a better future. She stressed the importance of adopting a global and humanist vision, in which education serves as a pillar for building more just, egalitarian and environmentally-friendly societies.
Her call to action was enthusiastically received, reinforcing the participants’ commitment to initiatives that promote inclusion, sustainability and equal opportunities in their respective institutions. Dr Debora Kayembe concluded by reaffirming that every small action counts and that, collectively, women university presidents have the power to transform the world.
This 11th edition of the Forum of Women University Presidents, marked by powerful speeches and enriching exchanges, has strengthened the determination of academic leaders to work together for a better future. The participation and words of Dr. Debora Kayembe will continue to resonate as a powerful reminder that progress begins in the mind and is achieved through concrete and sustained action.
