Universities are increasingly called to act as bridges between regions, cultures, and societies. In today’s interconnected yet fragmented world, cooperation beyond geographical and political boundaries has become an imperative for higher education.

Latin America and Europe share a long history of cultural exchange, intellectual dialogue, and political cooperation. This legacy, however, must be renewed in light of current global challenges: climate change, migration, social inequalities, digital transformation, and the future of democracy.

Latin America, with its vibrant academic tradition, demographic dynamism, and growing research ecosystems, is an indispensable partner for Europe. Conversely, European universities can provide avenues for joint knowledge production, mobility, and capacity building, while fostering inclusive and equitable partnerships. Yet cooperation between the two regions is often hindered by structural asymmetries, differences in funding, language barriers, and fragmented policy frameworks.

Against this backdrop, the UNICA Rectors’ Seminar 2026 will focus on the opportunities and challenges of strengthening cooperation with Latin America. The Seminar will explore how universities can foster mutually beneficial partnerships that go beyond traditional models of academic exchange and help respond to shared societal challenges. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of universities in capital cities, which serve as hubs of diplomacy, culture, and innovation, and can therefore play a leading role in bridging the two regions.

The University of Alcalá is a public university committed to excellence in teaching and research by adapting its curriculum to the changes and demands of society and attracting and retaining talent.

Located in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, 30 kilometers from Madrid, it has 28,000 students, 2,000 teachers, and 800 administrative and service staff positions. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to the General Studies program of 1293. In 1499, Cardinal Cisneros founded the College of San Ildefonso with the aim of creating a model for a university city that would serve as a template for others in Latin America. The uniqueness of its university model and the preservation of its rich architectural and artistic heritage led to its declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

Learn more on the university’s website.