In the framework of the Latin American Congress on Character EducationOn April 18th at the Buenos Aires Convention Center, the School of Education of the Universidad Austral This week, he received a visit from Dr. James Arthur, one of the leading keynote speakers of the meeting and director of Jubilee Center for Character and Virtues from the University of Birmingham.
The visit took place thanks to an invitation from the Varkey Foundation, an institution that made this valuable space for academic exchange possible, together with university authorities, education specialists, and representatives of organizations committed to human development and comprehensive training.
During the day, Dr. Arthur shared an institutional lunch at the IAE Business School together with members of the Board of Directors of the School of Education and authorities from the Rectorate of the Universidad AustralParticipants included Dr. Santiago Bellomo, Dean of the School of Education; Dr. Florencia Daura, Secretary of Research; Dr. Ángela Corengia, Academic Secretary; and Ms. Karina Brahim, Director of Extension and Transfer, among other guests from the Varkey Foundation and the educational and social sectors.
Afterwards, a tour of the University facilities was conducted, followed by an interview that addressed some of the most relevant challenges in contemporary education. The conversation focused on the impact of character education on social mobility, the need to promote teacher well-being and professional development in demanding environments, and the role that schools, civil organizations, businesses, and public policies must play in building an ecosystem that fosters the holistic development of individuals. The discussion also touched on the new questions posed by hyperconnectivity regarding the moral development of children and young people, especially in a context permeated by algorithms, artificial intelligence, and the dynamics of instant gratification, as well as on the most urgent lines of research for understanding the relationship between technology, ethics, and education.
Internationally recognized for his research on character, virtues, citizenship, and education, Dr. Arthur has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between educational theory and practice. In 2018, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the field of education, solidifying his position as one of the most influential voices in the global debate on human development in the 21st century.
The visit represented a significant opportunity to strengthen international ties and continue to promote, from the School of Education, a profound look at the meaning of education in today's world.
