RSU Rector, Prof. Aigars Pētersons, speaks at forum on higher education sustainability
Photo: Courtesy of the Saeima
To emphasise the importance of higher education in the sustainable development of the state, society, and economy—while considering global challenges and implemented reforms—a high-level expert forum titled Higher Education for the Sustainability of Latvia was held in the Saeima on Friday, 21 February. The forum, dedicated to higher education, was organised by the Saeima in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economics, and the organisation Latvijas Formula 2050.
RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons presented the topic "Rīga Stradiņš University – Key to Success and Positioning in the Export of Medical and Health Studies" at the forum. During his address, he discussed the dynamics and growth of international student and visiting professor recruitment over the years, RSU’s contribution to the Latvian economy, the high quality of study programmes, the role of simulations in the study process, and other aspects of education exports. He also answered questions from forum members.
The forum was opened by Saeima Deputy Chairwoman Antoņina Ņenaševa and Chairman of the Saeima Sustainable Development Committee Uģis Mitrevics. Juris Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, and Juris Binde, Chair of the Latvian Formula 2050 Association and President of Latvian Mobile Phone LLC, also addressed the attendees.
The forum took place in two parts. The first part began with introductory presentations on the reform of higher education institution governance and the role of higher education in strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness and economic growth. The second part was opened by Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša.
The forum brought together Saeima deputies, leaders and academic staff of higher education institutions, representatives from relevant ministries, education and science experts, as well as representatives from banks, local governments, public organisations, and students.
