UNICA Days 2024 in Brussels | 28 Feb – 1 Mar

We are pleased to announce the first edition of the UNICA Days, taking place in Brussels, from 28 February to 1 March 2024. The event is open to the whole UNICA community and marks a significant step towards shaping the future of the network.

Under the overarching theme “Navigating the Future: Strengthening Democracy through Education and Research“, participants will be able to network amongst the UNICA membership and meet with the representatives, stakeholders, and decision-makers shaping Higher Education policy in Europe.

The event will feature meetings and discussions covering three key topics for our community:

  1. The democratic mission of universities ahead of the EU Parliament elections 2024
  2. The visions for a new European research and innovation strategy
  3. The developments in transnational cooperation on education in Europe

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! Deadline: 28 January 2024

Why participate in the UNICA Days?

We are giving the UNICA community the space to share their voices and build new ideas with decision-makers and other Higher Education stakeholders in Brussels. Either you are in the leadership of a UNICA university or part of one of the UNICA Working Groups, this is your chance to contribute to the network’s shared vision on the evolving role of universities in and for capital cities.

Target groups: Rectors/Presidents, Vice-Rectors/Vice-Presidents, Heads of International Offices from UNICA members universities; Coordinators and Members of the UNICA Working Groups.

What’s happening during the UNICA Days?

The UNICA Days will feature some of the key topics and audiences charting a course for Europe’s Higher Education environment, including high level representatives from the sector, partner organisations, and other relevant voices from the sector. The agenda will comprise an array of panels, roundtables, and keynotes, as well as social and networking opportunities.

About the Agenda

This is the preliminary agenda. Further details and a detailed programme will follow in due course.

DAY 1
Wednesday, 28 February
DAY 2
Thursday, 29 February
DAY 3
Friday, 1 March

14:00 – 17:30
Meetings of UNICA WG & SC members


18:30
Welcome reception
09:30 – 12:30
Session on the EU elections

13:30 – 15:00
Session on Research and Innovation

15:30 – 17:00
Session on Education

Social programme & dinner
09:30 – 13:00
Meetings with EU policymakers

Farewell lunch






About the theme “Navigating the Future: Strengthening Democracy through Education and Research”

As the European elections 2024 approach, we are fully aware of the interconnectedness of Higher Education and European politics. Democracy, anchored in active citizen engagement, inclusivity, and well-informed decision-making, highly benefits from the pivotal role of universities. These institutions uniquely empower individuals by providing them with knowledge, promoting critical thinking skills, and fostering the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society. Moreover, through research and innovation, universities provide the knowledge for evidence-based decision-making and policy development to address societal challenges.

In this way, the intersection of Higher Education and democracy becomes a cornerstone for societal development and progress. This is, therefore, the ideal moment to leverage the collective capacity of UNICA member universities and make the community’s voice heard among decision-makers, stakeholders, and partners in Brussels, marking a significant step towards shaping the future we aspire to create.



UNICA Days 2024 in Brussels | 28 Feb – 1 Mar

Brussels

UNICA

Contact

Laura Brossico (laura.brossico@unica-network.eu)

Thibaut Le Forsonney (thibaut.leforsonney@unica-network.eu)