Iohannis: In an ever-changing world, academic education becomes more relevant

President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday at the opening ceremony of the academic year at Iasi University centre that students have an important role in "completing a national mission appropriate for Centennial Romania" and emphasised the role of high-level academic education. 

"In a world undergoing continuous and rapid transformation, marked by often unpredictable changes, high-level academic education becomes more relevant. In this sense, the importance of universities, teachers and researchers increases exponentially because, first of all, it is where versatile skills can be developed to respond adequately to tomorrow's demands," Iohannis told over 800 people at the Vasile Alecsandri Theatre House who attended the ceremony. 

He said he expects the universities "to be creative, adaptable, active, and to take on the task of educating students so that they become the artisans of Romania's change for the better." 

"We have a lot of work on countless fronts, but I am convinced that you, dear students, who represent the generations formed today in the Romanian universities, will play a crucial role in completing a national mission that is suited to Centennial Romania. At the same time, I encourage you all - teachers, researchers and students - to look at the university as a space for dialogue and constructive exchanges of ideas, an open environment of the university in which tolerance and respect for the values of others are understood and respected as such. Success with everything you desire and a new academic year as rich in achievements as possible!," added Iohannis. 

The president concluded by congratulating the academic community of Iasi for "the unity it displays in this university year of great significance to Romania." 

"This is the example that I think the whole society expects," Iohannis said. 

On Monday, Klaus Iohannis attended the opening of the academic year at the invitation of the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University (TUIASI), celebrating the 205th anniversary of the first Romanian tuition class in agronomy engineering established by Asachi.