Introduction

This chapter analyses the contribution that universities can make to a more equal and fairer society, taking into account that access to higher education is improving, although not necessarily always in a desirable or fairer way. It discusses the global development agenda with regard to higher education specifically. The chapter reviews selected studies that highlight the contributions universities can bring to the development of people. It explores the significant challenge of inequality as a substantial element in constraining public-good aspirations of universities. Global higher education and development policy, driven by the World Bank as the biggest funder, has not been static, but this policy has not necessarily fostered human development. At times, the developmental role of universities has been recognised, only to disappear and reappear. The chapter argues higher education as a public-good and an arena that ought to be taken seriously in development and global policy.