Education, exchanges are key to facing global challenges

NEW YORK — Speakers at an international education symposium in New York highlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding on Friday.

Scholars and attendees, mainly from the United States, China and Canada, joined the symposium to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Institute of Teachers College at Columbia University.

Much like the time when the institute was founded, "we now face a time of great uncertainty, (and) a time when international exchange, understanding and collaboration are critical to our future", says Kerry Ann O'Meara, vice-president for academic affairs, provost and dean of the Teachers College of the university.