The Honorable Tony Blair Visits Universidad Peruana de Ciencias, one of Peru's Leading Universities

BALTIMORE, May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honorable Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, addressed students, faculty, and community leaders at Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) today in Lima, Peru.  Mr. Blair spoke at length about the opportunities available to youth today, the challenges they face, and the crucial role education plays in enabling young people to reach their goals in an increasingly globalized world.

During his speech, Mr. Blair discussed the importance of earning a university degree as a catalyst for future success, especially in a fast-changing world.  "The chief characteristic of today's world is the scope, scale and speed of change," said Mr. Blair.  "Universities need to teach students not only the skills to pass the test, but how to be open-minded and how to relate to others.  This is what the universities in the Laureate network are doing."

"Mr. Blair is a remarkable world leader and someone who can speak so eloquently about our changing world," said, Douglas L. Becker, Chairman and CEO of Laureate Education, Inc.  "We are honored that Mr. Blair had the opportunity to visit UPC—an institution known for its academic excellence and innovative approach.  His presence will have a lasting positive impact on our students and the university."

This was Mr. Blair's first visit to Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas.  Currently, more than 35,000 students are enrolled at UPC in a variety of undergraduate, graduate and working-adult degree programs. Mr. Blair has previously spoken at five other Laureate institutions: BiTS (Business and Information Technology School) in Iserlohn, Germany; Universidad Europea in Madrid, Spain; Istanbul Bilgi University in Turkey; Universidade Anhembi Morumbi in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Universidad del Valle de Mexico in Coyoacan, Mexico.

Since leaving office in 2007, Mr. Blair has continued to be active in public life. He has served as the Quartet Representative to the Middle East, representing the United States, the United Nations, Russia, and the European Union, in an effort to promote peace and help prepare Palestine for statehood. He also launched the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to promote respect and understanding among the major religions and to make the case for faith as a force for good in the modern world.

About Laureate International Universities

Laureate International Universities is a trusted global leader in providing access to high quality, innovative institutions of higher education. The Laureate International Universities network includes 70 accredited campus­based and online universities. Laureate's more than 780,000 students are part of an academic community that spans 29 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Laureate universities offer hundreds of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs in fields including architecture, art, business, culinary arts, design, education, engineering, health sciences, hospitality management, information technology, law, and medicine. William J. Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, serves as the Honorary Chancellor of the Laureate International Universities network, offering advice on social responsibility, youth leadership, and increasing access to higher education. For more information, visit www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Laureate International Universities