Today Belgian Universities Host Conference on European University Alliances

Some two hundred people are expected to attend tomorrow's 9 am opening of the major conference organised by the Belgian universities to mark their country's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Brussels hosts once again the political and strategic representatives of the universities taking part in this adventure of European alliances that began in 2019 and which should culminate by the end of 2024 in the labelling (and funding) of 60 alliances, which was the Commission's aim in launching this ambitious programme. So what is it all about? To provide further visibility to the excellence and attractiveness of European universities. 

The conference will explore the transformative impact of European University Alliances on higher education and offer thematic sessions to examine in six close-knit sessions the main aspects shaping the future European higher education landscape.

• "The Future of Education and Language Learning in our Connected World". This session will highlight the pivotal role of European University Alliances in fostering inclusion and agency in higher education. It will discuss the interconnectedness driving educational innovations and explore multilingualism and avenues for improvement.
• "Cosmobility: Rethinking Student and Staff Mobility". This session will explore innovative approaches to enhance sustainability, inclusion, and academic recognition. It will examine the purpose and challenges of European and global mobility, key topics including short-term vs. long-term mobility, challenges related to non-EU mobility, and fostering intercultural encounters.
• "Understanding and Applying Superdiversity in Academia, Higher Education and Beyond". This session will delve into the transformative force of super-diversity, navigating its complexities within educational settings and implications for the labour market.
• "Alliances as Drivers of Pedagogical Innovation". This session will showcase best practices and address challenges in pedagogical innovation. It will amplify voices from practitioners, students, and stakeholders across various alliances.
• "The European Degree as an Important Milestone Towards a Strong Future for the European Higher Education Area." This session will reflect on projects financed by the European Commission to facilitate the delivery of a joint European Degree label and consider the future perspectives and added value of such initiatives.
• A final Session will integrate insights from the preceding sessions to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration with partner universities in the Global South. The conference aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders, advancing the European higher education agenda in a global context.

EUTOPIA is very proud to be part of this important event with the CIVIS alliance, represented by their two sister universities, the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. 

More information and Registering links to follow online here.