The dynamic of social responsibility is a specific theme of the 2009 World Conference. Universities create and dispense knowledge - this is their fundamental, time-honoured mission. They thus contribute to society in vital and complex ways. It is through universities that graduates can be equipped with the knowledge, skills and concern to address a range of social, economic and scientific challenges: the energy crisis, the impact of climate change, food insecurity, health and the search for sustainable alternatives in all economic sectors. The United Nations is reaching out to higher education institutions through its new Academic Impact programme, to promote their engagement in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Universities can contribute to these goals through, for example, research on agricultural development or effective literacy programmes, teacher training, the renewal of curricula to integrate the values of sustainable development, and the promotion of women in science and technology.