For openness to the world and democracy

This week, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is bringing together numerous students and academics from almost every continent on Earth for International Week. The theme is ‘Internationalisation for Sustainability’, but just as important are the opportunities to meet people and forge new friendships across borders.

International Night, held today, 14 May, provided the ideal setting for the university’s management to publicly declare its commitment to openness to the world and democracy. It is also a call to oppose violence and to take part in the democratic elections due to take place this year in Europe and in Saxony.

The Rectorate of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences states:

The challenges of our time are manifold: demographic change, climate change, a turning point in history. As a centre for teaching, research, discourse and interaction, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences plays its part in overcoming these challenges. It contributes to strengthening the region and to attracting and training people who live and work here.

With its roots in the region, it fosters debates both within the university and in dialogue with the public, whilst maintaining a cosmopolitan outlook. International students, lecturers and researchers are part of the university community. They are welcome to stay and play an active role in shaping the future of our country.

For Mittweida University of Applied Sciences to make its contribution, and for science, business and culture to develop positively, we need the political and social foundations of democracy and non-violence, a climate of diversity and equality, and a culture of openness towards people and their ideas.

Act democratically, non-violently and with an open-minded attitude towards the world!

Social harmony, the common good and pluralism in our region, our country and in Europe cannot be taken for granted. They are the result of constant, long-term efforts by many people and institutions who uphold democracy through objective debate and reasoned argument. Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, with its members in teaching, research, university management and student life, is one such institution.

In the European, state and local elections, people set the course for the future of the state and the university. Today, the aim is to strengthen democracy in the town councils and parliaments of Saxony, Germany and Europe against extremist and discriminatory forces. Those who incite hatred and violence have no place in parliaments or in government.

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is committed to our free and democratic constitutional order with its equal and inalienable human rights. Mittweida University of Applied Sciences advocates openness to the world, a culture of welcome based on solidarity, and opposition to all forms of discrimination. Mittweida University of Applied Sciences encourages its members to act – and to vote – in a democratic and non-violent manner.