This document discusses the importance of higher education and its relevance. It provides an overview of historical trends in higher education in both the global north and south. In the global north, higher education has become increasingly market-oriented and focused on employment. In the global south, higher education was influenced by colonization, limited resources, and pressure from international donors. The document argues that definitions of relevance in higher education need to expand beyond just relevance to the global economy, and should also consider addressing challenges like food crises, financial crises, and climate change.