NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR EDUCATION – STRENGTHENING PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES & MODERN LEARNING
Excellence – Meritocracy – Innovation – Protection of Public Education
PREAMBLE
Education is the foundation of every advanced society and must be based on the principles of excellence, meritocracy, and contemporary knowledge.
- The existence of private universities must not undermine public universities but rather push them toward improvement.
- Higher education must offer specialization, research, and applied knowledge aligned with market needs and technological advancement.
- Democracy in education means equal opportunities and merit-based selection—not unmeritocratic mechanisms that degrade quality.
We proclaim the need for an educational reform that will safeguard public education, secure excellence in universities, and equip future generations with modern skills and knowledge.
I – FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES ACROSS ALL EDUCATIONAL LEVELS
✔ 1 – Equal Opportunities & Objective Criteria
- All students must start from the same point, without preferential treatment.
- University admission must be based on transparent and objective criteria—no loopholes or exceptions.
- Education must equip youth with modern tools to develop critical thinking and real-world competencies.
✔ 2 – Meritocracy & Excellence at All Levels
- Schools and universities should reward and promote excellence as a standard.
- Expand model and experimental schools to offer high-level education.
- Educator performance should be strictly evaluated based on results and effectiveness.
✔ 3 – Modernization of the Educational System
- Update curriculum to meet modern demands, with focus on STEM, entrepreneurship, AI, innovation, and digital skills.
- Strengthen career guidance from high school to prepare students for the labor market.
- Establish mandatory internships across all levels of higher education.
II – STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION
✔ 4 – Redefining Public University Education
- Public universities must be internationally competitive with top-quality academic programs.
- Evaluate departments and consolidate where necessary to eliminate redundant or underperforming programs.
- Implement performance-based funding linked to quality, research, and outcomes.
✔ 5 – Safeguarding Public Universities from Degradation
- Completely eliminate violence and lawlessness within university grounds.
- Remove political party factions from academic governance.
- Protect campus infrastructure from occupations and vandalism.
✔ 6 – International Competitiveness & Cooperation
- Connect Greek public universities with top institutions abroad.
- Enhance English-language programs to attract international students.
- Expand Erasmus and mobility programs for both students and faculty.
III – PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES & THEIR ROLE
✔ 7 – Legal Recognition of Private Universities, Under Conditions
- Private universities must operate under strict quality and transparency controls.
- They should not replace public institutions but offer additional choices.
- Degree recognition must be granted only when academic criteria meet international standards.
✔ 8 – Public–Private Collaboration in Research
- Foster partnerships between public universities and private enterprises for applied research and innovation.
- Utilize public universities as research hubs cooperating with the private sector.
CONCLUSION – STRENGTHENING GREEK EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE
✔ Uphold public universities as pillars of excellence and scientific research.
✔ Ensure objective admission and evaluation criteria across all educational levels.
✔ Eliminate ideological indoctrination and lawlessness from university environments.
✔ Provide modern study programs focused on labor market and tech evolution.
✔ Integrate private universities responsibly to enhance the overall academic ecosystem.
Greece must invest in education—ensuring equal opportunities for all, guided by knowledge, quality, and merit.