President Richard Levao speaks at Global Innovation Forum

By: Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications
communications@bloomfield.edu

Bloomfield College President Richard Levao was chosen to deliver the keynote address at the 2014 Daejeon Global Innovation Forum in Daejeon, South Korea, cosponsored by the World Technopolis Association (WTA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Titled “Innovation 4.0: Shifting the Innovation Paradigm toward Creative Economy”, the program (which spanned three days, Nov. 11-14) brought together thought leaders from all corners of the world to discuss a changing economic climate and how new collaborations can be created to foster economic growth and promote global social justice.

In delivering his 45-minute address, President Levao shared the stage with Peter Vessenes, chairman of Bitcoin Foundation. He noted that UNESCO’s Statement of Principles under “One Planet, One Ocean” announces; “Sustainable development cannot be achieved by technological solutions, political regulation or financial instruments alone. We need to change the way we think and act.”

Levao also highlighted how American higher education institutions such as Bloomfield College can aid the evolving world, including the education and training of students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields and providing technological resources that facilitate scientific advancements.

He specifically highlighted four leading research universities in New Jersey and described the state as a technology leader and global partner to the 1,300 attendees, many of whom were CEO’s of global corporations and included delegates from 30 countries. At the conclusion of the conference, President Levao was elected chair of the University and College President’s Council of the WTA.

“This is a great honor and a recognition of Bloomfield College’s global mission,” noted Levao. “We look forward to future opportunities to address the very real and pressing issues of enhancing social justice and fairness as an element of global economic development and innovation.”

To learn more about the Daejeon Global Innovation Forum, visit daejeongif.org.