Joint declaration of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the International University Institute Zittau of the Dresden University of Technology
Preamble
Against the backdrop of current developments in Zittau's urban society, which most recently culminated in the disruption of the Zittau City Council meeting by angry citizens in connection with the planned accommodation of refugees in the Hirschfelde district, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the IHI Zittau of the Technical University of Dresden issue the following appeal:
We live in challenging times. Our society is facing multiple and complex challenges that call into question the familiar and the tried and tested, and require new proposals, solutions and their critical review. They create pressure to act and cause uncertainty - for society as a whole, but also for each and every one of us.
Our society is changing rapidly. We are part of global and European dynamics of change and at the same time busy solving our own development problems. The issues facing us all range from the ageing of society and the increasing shortage of skilled workers or climate change and digitalization to refugee migration and regional structural change in connection with the decision to phase out lignite-fired power generation.
Shaping the future requires a democratic culture of debate. A democratic culture is essential in the deliberations and discussions on these topics at home around the kitchen table, during breaks at work or in political decision-making bodies. It requires the recognition of others and their position as equals, the ability to listen and the will to solve problems democratically and together.
Humanity is a prerequisite for any democratic debate. Without humanity, a society risks becoming brutalized and losing its social cohesion. We act humanely when we recognize each other as people with fundamentally equal rights and treat each other with respect, support and solidarity - regardless of whether they are old acquaintances, German citizens unknown to us or people seeking protection from persecution, war or work and personal happiness in our country. We in the three-country region have experienced first-hand in the past what closed borders mean. All the more reason for us to appreciate the fact that we can move freely and without borders today. It has become part of our everyday lives.
As academic educational institutions in the three-country region, we live openness, humanity and democracy. Our students and colleagues come to us from all over the world. What distinguishes us as an educational and scientific institution is that we are both family-oriented and globally oriented. The people and economy of our three-country region also benefit from this plurality, openness and global cooperation.
We, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the International University Institute Zittau of the Dresden University of Technology, are committed to humanity, a democratic culture and solidarity in our region and invite all citizens to join us in this endeavor.
