This keynote session examined the evolving landscape of higher education in Europe, focusing on innovation in teaching, cross-border collaboration, and the role of universities in policy and societal development. It provided a forward-looking perspective on how European universities can leverage the EUAI framework to enhance their impact, global competitiveness, and ability to address societal challenges.

This panel discussion brought together CIVICA alliance leaders to examine how higher education institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing world coupled with important geopolitical shifts. The session focused on governance, institutional resilience, and strategies for fostering academic excellence in an interconnected global environment.

In this session, it was discussed how partnerships with diverse stakeholders can enhance the impact and reach of higher education institutions. It explored best practices for collaboration between universities, the private sector, international organizations and civil society to foster innovation and societal progress.

This session was a deep dive into the synergies between social sciences and the humanities in shaping policies, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in a rapidly evolving world.

This discussion explored how research in the social sciences contributes to policy development and societal transformation. Panelists highlighted successful examples of research influencing policy and discuss ways to strengthen the bridge between academia and decision-makers.

This session explored the transferable skills and unique perspectives that social sciences graduates bring to employers, industries, and society. Panelists discussed how their expertise in critical thinking, data analysis, and human behavior equips them to navigate complex global challenges and drive innovation across diverse professional fields.

This panel explored the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and research in the social sciences. Discussions included ethical considerations, AI-driven innovation in learning methodologies, and its role in shaping public policies.

This panel explored how universities can drive progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, and international partnerships. Experts discussed innovative strategies for enhancing global impact, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating sustainability into academic initiatives to create meaningful change.

A discussion on the role of social sciences in shaping the regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations of AI, big data, and digital governance. This session explored how the social sciences can help examine and assess potential future scenarios to help shape policies around emerging and disruptive technologies, focusing on ethical governance and long-term societal impacts.

This session explored forward-thinking approaches to fostering student participation, activism, and leadership in an increasingly interconnected and digitalized world. Panelists discussed innovative strategies to enhance student engagement, address evolving expectations, and equip students with the skills to drive meaningful change in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Experts discussed how demographic shifts and inclusivity efforts impact the accessibility and evolution of higher education. This session examined the role of higher education in fostering social mobility, addressing demographic changes, and ensuring inclusiveness in an evolving global landscape.

This thought-provoking plenary session explored the critical need for interdisciplinary education that integrates STEM and SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts for People and the Economy) to tackle complex global challenges. Bringing together experts from diverse fields, the discussion highlighted how cross-disciplinary collaboration fosters innovation, equips future leaders with holistic problem-solving skills, and drives meaningful societal transformation.

This panel explored how European universities strengthen the region’s global economic positioning through cutting-edge research, innovation, and talent development. Experts examined the role of higher education institutions in fostering a competitive knowledge economy, equipping future leaders with essential skills, and driving technological and societal advancements to maintain Europe’s leadership on the global stage.

As Europe navigates rapid transformations in the job market, technology, and society, universities play a central role in equipping future generations with the skills and mindset needed to thrive. In this closing keynote, Commissioner Glenn Micallef, responsible for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, reflected on the pivotal role of education in fostering youth empowerment, innovation, and intergenerational solidarity.

This session highlighted how higher education institutions can strengthen Europe’s talent pipeline, support lifelong learning, and bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy. Commissioner Micallef provided insights into the European vision for skills development, the importance of culture and sport in fostering social cohesion, and how universities can be key drivers of a resilient and competitive Europe.