The Executive Committee has approved an institutional statement concerning the impact of Covid-19
The Conference of Social Councils (CCS) has approved an institutional statement concerning the impact of Covid-19 in Spain, in which it asserts that “we will only be stronger and more resistant if science is conducted on a wider scale and at a higher quality and if we have a more competitive productive sector”.
The statement also included a message of condolence to those who have lost loved ones during these weeks, especially to the members of the social councils and the university community, and in particular to the Social Council of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), whose chairman, José Folgado, passed away on the 23rd of last month. In addition, they recognise the huge dedication and generosity of our healthcare workers and those from other sectors, such as national law enforcement officials”.
The CCS – which brings together the social councils of public universities and the councils and boards of private universities – welcomes the effort being made by universities to continue their teaching and research while faced with serious difficulties. Moreover, the CCS made a public appeal, that “when we defeat this pandemic and take on the reconstruction of our economy and our society, we pay greater attention to science and research”. As the president of the Conference, Antonio Abril Abadín, explained, “the current health crisis has highlighted that both [science and research] not only generate wealth and wellbeing, but also save lives”.
The statement also highlights the important role played by industry and businesses within the current crisis, faced with the need to produce goods and offer healthcare services to care for the ill. It also states that “their generosity represents a commendable milestone in the history of our country”.
The statement surmises that it is important for us to be able to draw the correct conclusions from this crisis, in order to emerge stronger and to face the future with greater security. It claims that this will require a commitment to science and to the competitiveness of the productive sector, all in close connection with universities as producers of talent and knowledge, improving their governance, financing, and their necessary links with businesses and our social and productive fabric.
Press here if you want to see the institutional statement concerning the impact of Covid-19 in Spain.
About the CCS
Social councils are society’s representative body within universities. Of note among their roles is monitoring and approving each centre’s budget and academic courses. The Conference brings together the social councils of Spanish public universities and also includes a growing number of private centres. Its running is regulated by the Universities Act [Ley Orgánica Universitaria] and by the specific legislation of each Spanish region.