CIVICA Global Forum 2025: Leading European universities meet at IE University to discuss the future of Higher Education

IE University hosts the CIVICA Global Forum 2025, which will take place on 6–7 May, under the theme "Leveraging Social Sciences in Higher Education: Navigating Global Challenges and Complexities." High-level speakers from member institutions of the CIVICA alliance, which brings together 10 leading European universities in the Social Sciences, will gather at the IE Tower, IE University’s campus in Madrid, to debate on the future of higher education, including European competitiveness and the role of AI in enriching the academic ecosystem. 

Speakers will not only include prominent figures in academia but also representatives from industry and politics. Among them are Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy and Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs at IE University; Julia Black, President of the British Academy; and key figures from the European Union, such as Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.

IE University Provost, Manuel Muñiz, will open the forum in its first day. In his words: "In times of deep international fracture and growing geopolitical tensions, building bridges for global dialogue is more crucial than ever. To face today’s pressing challenges, initiatives like CIVICA — the alliance of leading European universities in the social sciences — offer a powerful example of collective commitment. The upcoming event hosted by IE University in Madrid will be a key moment to shape Europe’s future through education and cooperation."

"As a flagship event of the CIVICA alliance, the Global Forum 2025 at IE University will serve as a dynamic platform to connect academia with society. By bringing together scholars, policymakers, students, and representatives from the private sector, we aim to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration on the most pressing global challenges. This Forum reflects our commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding CIVICA’s outreach, reinforcing the role of the social sciences in shaping the future. We look forward to welcoming our partners to Madrid for this meaningful exchange" said María-Eugenia Marin, IE University Vice-Provost.

Dean Enrico Letta will deliver a keynote session on the role of the European University Alliance Initiative (EUAI), highlighting the opportunities it brings to the European Higher Education landscape and its contributions to policy and societal development. CIVICA leaders—including Manuel Muñiz; Jeremy Perelman, Vice President for International Affairs at Sciences Po; Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics; Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School; and Carsten Schneider, Pro-Rector for External Relations at the Central European University, and Tymofii Brik, Rector of the Kyiv School of Economics (part of the CIVICA for Ukraine initiative) — will address the resilience of Higher Education institutions in response to geopolitical shifts, and how universities can adapt to changes amidst an interdependent and digitalized society.

Professionals from various fields will provide further insights into the most critical concerns for both CIVICA Universities and the European Union, which are becoming more challenging in light of recent geopolitical changes and their impact on cross-border mobility. Discussions will center around the reasons why higher education and European integration need to remain closely intertwined in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness by enhancing European talent and fostering the creation of value-added knowledge. Industry, academia, and political representatives will lead discussions on how to promote sustainability, empowerment and inclusiveness, as well as how to navigate the implementation of AI and digital governance.