We all need to change the way we think

"All the work of the University of Iceland, from its foundation, has been focused on increasing prosperity and wellbeing in Iceland. It was therefore another valuable affirmation of our success when it was recently announced that the University of Iceland is among the very best universities in the world when it comes to impact on society and immediate environment." 

So said Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, at the graduation ceremony for almost 400 undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University Cinema last Saturday. The graduates numbered 250 women and 149 men. Students graduated from 24 faculties across all schools at the University of Iceland. 

Images of the graduation ceremony by Kristinn Ingvarsson
Images from the photo booths in the foyer

A degree is the key to a prosperous future

The Rector discussed the University's success on the international stage in his address and said that all schools at the University of Iceland were now, for the first time, included in respected rankings of institutions that had the most positive impact in the world. "The significance of this for Icelandic society cannot be underestimated," said Jón Atli, adding that this success was not only a recognition of the scientific work of the University, but also attracted global attention and made the University of Iceland a desirable collaborative partner. He said that this also enhanced the value of the degrees that the graduates were awarded that day. 

"It is our ambition that a degree from the University of Iceland should be your key to a prosperous future."
Jón Atli said that higher education was in its nature like settling a new land, a tireless search for deeper understanding, more accurate knowledge, better solutions, and a better life. "There is something in the innermost heart of the vision of higher education, and indeed of life itself, that cannot abide stagnation. The settler Stephan G. Stephansson addressed his compatriots in North America thus, around the time that the University of Iceland was established: Nobody deserves thanks for living in Rome, but for building it up."  
According to the poet's words, we must build up in order to be content with ourselves, at the same time guaranteeing that the next generation will be better off than their parents.
We need to find new solutions and become more innovative in all our thinking

The Rector also discussed the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which highlight the most urgent challenges of our time. "Many of these cannot be delayed," said Jón Atli.

"There is considerable accord between these goals and the Strategy of the University of Iceland, as well as the core principles of the University: equality, professionalism and academic freedom. Over the next years, we will incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals still better into our strategies and day-to-day operations. Our academic staff have a lot to contribute here. For example, concerning good health and well-being; climate action; industry, innovation and infrastructure; conservation of ecosystems; gender equality; sustainable energy; education for all; less inequality; and peace and justice.