Arqus participates in a panel discussion on Responsible Internationalization at the NAFSA 2024 Conference & Exposition

The Arqus Alliance has been invited by Monash University to contribute to a panel discussion on Responsible Internationalization at the Association of International Educators – NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference & Exposition, which is taking place from 28^th to 31^st May in New Orleans, USA. The panel, held on 28^th May, featured representatives from the Arqus Alliance alongside the University of South Pacific in the Fiji Islands and Pennsylvania State University in the US. Each panellist brought unique insights to the discussion, focusing on specific aspects of responsible internationalization and engaging with an international audience.

The concept of responsible internationalization has been a subject of extensive debate and research, gaining increasing significance in the global strategies of universities and European University Alliances today. Partnerships and collaborations among universities are essential for addressing global challenges, but they must also encompass considerations of human rights, academic freedom, inclusion, equity, environmental and social sustainability, and fairness.

This panel discussion was a continuation of the dialogue initiated at a conference on responsible internationalization held at the University of Padua in December 2023. By bringing together these varied perspectives, the panel aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of responsible internationalization and its critical role in contemporary global education strategies.

Representing the Alliance, Lucia Gennaro (University of Padua) shared experiences from their collaboration with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) in drafting the “Action Plan to Support Students and Scholars at Risk – with a Focus on Ukraine”. Gennaro discussed the transformative perspectives and lessons learned from this partnership, highlighting the importance of academic freedom and support for at-risk students and scholars in the context of responsible internationalization. She also outlined various ongoing initiatives that will inform the second version of the Action Plan.

Veresa Ceguadrau from the University of South Pacific addressed the social impact of student mobility to the Fiji Islands, while Alexandra Persiko from Penn State University focused on the environmental implications of mobility. Together, these diverse experiences aimed to uncover common themes, insights and reflections that can foster fairer and more equitable partnerships.

News prepared by Giulia De Nobili, Arqus Communications Officer at the University of Padua.