Report from the UNICA IRO Meeting 2025
07 April 2026
In an era of increasing global complexity, the role of International Relations Officers (IROs) extends beyond traditional mobility and programme management. It is becoming a strategic and diplomatic function, crucial for institutional growth and reputation.
As universities shift from Education providers towards committed actors in societal and community engagement, IROs find themselves navigating shifting political landscapes, evolving visa and regulatory frameworks, and growing scrutiny around international collaborations. This demands not only operational expertise but also a strong sense of diplomacy: the ability to build trust across cultures, manage sensitive partnerships, and align institutional priorities with broader national and international agendas.
This short report presents the main conclusions from each session of the UNICA IRO Meeting 2025, which tool place on 10-12 December at Tallinn University. It serves both as a record of the discussions and as a foundation for future activities.
The topic built on the foundations of the 2024 meeting’s focus on “Building the Ideal International Relations Office”, moving the conversation forward to the “why” and “who” of international cooperation.
Learn more about the IRO Meeting 2025
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.