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Jesús Verdú Baeza . Professor of Public International Law at the University of Cadiz, Algeciras Campus: “The University as a factor of progress in relations between Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar”
It is clear that today’s society is going through a deep and accelerated transformation which is down to multiple factors in an increasingly globalised and complex world. Due to this, the guarantee of solid and stable points of reference is needed, more than ever, to provide adequate security and preparation for the inevitable changes.
The University is probably the institution that is best placed to play this role. Indeed, today the University is not only a centre of education, but also a hub for research, cultural dissemination, meetings, debates, the development of a critical vision among citizens, etc.
A society that wants to be more cultured, dynamic, inclusive and flexible in the face of profound technological changes – in short, more democratic – must trust and support the University.
In this respect, I believe that the University of Gibraltar, which boasts magnificent facilities at Europa Point, has played a significant role in reviving educative, cultural and scientific life in Gibraltar. This is the result of the continuing and wise support of the Government of Gibraltar since it was founded in September 2015.
For its part, the University of Cadiz has strongly supported the Bahía de Algeciras Campus. Francisco Piniella won the elections for new Rector that took place on May 21.
He has incorporated into his programme a firm commitment to the development of this Campus, including changes in the governance of the University – that will involve the creation of a new Vice-Rectorate of the Bahía de Algeciras Campus with a new General Directorate of Institutional Relationships – as well as a set of new investments and proposals that will contribute to the development and promotion of the University in this area.
My perspective is that, both the University of Gibraltar and the University of Cadiz must find common ground and cooperation to allow for the enhancement and multiplication of the region’s assets and potentialities.
The challenge will be to find areas of positive collaborative synergies. The use of different languages and non-convergent cultures and administrative systems can be an impediment, but it can also bring an enormous potential for enrichment.
I think it’s an opportunity we shouldn’t miss. There is already a history of collaboration, such as the legal English courses promoted by the UCA Faculty of Law, which are strongly supported by Gibraltarian lawyer, Charles Gomez or the UCA summer courses in San Roque, some of which have been hosted by the University of Gibraltar over the last few years. These cases show the enormous potential of cooperation and how positive it can be for both students and teachers.
In conclusion, a normalised collaboration between the two universities of the Bay can be an excellent opportunity to improve trans-boundary relationships, to create channels of standardisation and understanding and to serve as a bridge over the traditionally complex political difficulties arising from the various existing controversies.
Jesús Verdú Baeza . Professor of Public International Law at the University of Cadiz, Algeciras Campus: “The University as a factor of progress in relations between Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar”
