Ulysseus Second International Networking Conference in Brussels on November 10th
ULYSSEUS is organizing its second international conference entitled From EU International Cooperation Policy to Partnership and Co-creation in Higher Education, which will take place on November 10, 2026, in Brussels.
The event brings together the Ulysseus European University Alliance community, its international partners, representatives of EU institutions, and EU Member States to shape practical, reciprocal, and long-term strategies for international cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation. In the context of this conference, international cooperation refers to collaboration with partners outside the EU.
This conference is particularly important at this moment as it introduces university perspectives directly into discussions on the future EU framework for international cooperation (the so-called Global Gateway) and the EU Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027. It also coincides with the planning of the next phase of cooperation within the Ulysseus alliance, meaning that the outcomes of the conference will provide concrete input for the preparation of the future project proposal, known as Ulysseus 3, as well as for other European university alliances.
Key themes to be addressed include:
- Communicating the European Union’s approach to international cooperation through the Global Gateway strategy
- From global to regional: increasing the impact of university international cooperation on local territories
- Sharing success stories from Ulysseus and partner universities
- Connecting academia and diplomacy to strengthen science diplomacy
- Developing a dynamic international Ulysseus network
The conference, held exclusively in physical format, will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, a co-creation workshop for future solutions, and poster presentations on international cooperation across the Ulysseus partnership.
This event opens space for unique intercontinental dialogues with partners from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and North America, focusing on cooperation models that are sustainable and adapted to the needs and strategies of partner regions. It also provides a framework for better understanding the reflections of geopolitical developments on the university context and for adequate action by the academic community in advocating peace and the common good.
Speakers will include distinguished representatives and experts from EU institutions and parliamentary bodies who shape and interpret international cooperation policy; leaders and coordinators from the Ulysseus alliance and other European universities presenting strategic visions and practical experiences; academic leaders and representatives of universities outside the EU bringing international perspectives and the voice of partner regions; experts in science diplomacy and international programs linking academia and foreign policy; as well as practitioners and representatives of ministries and programs offering up-to-date information crucial for developing and scaling sustainable, reciprocal partnerships.
Among its key missions, the Ulysseus European University Alliance prioritizes developing international cooperation with strategic regions outside the EU. Within this initiative, the alliance has reached consensus on partners with whom it seeks to deepen collaboration through joint bodies, and who are equally committed to this goal. Cooperation is already taking place through scientific conferences, expert missions, projects, and mobility, while this conference is designed to contribute to structuring cooperation modalities for the alliance’s next phase.
In addition, the alliance and its partners aim to actively contribute to the participatory process of shaping EU policies in the field of international cooperation.
Ulysseus international network representatives at the conference include:
- University Laval, Canada
- University of Chile
- UNAM, Mexico
- University Buenos Aires, Argentina
- ADAMA, Ethiopia
- University of Ghana
Further information and announcements about the conference can be followed via the website ulysseus.eu and Ulysseus social media channels. Agenda available here.
Contact: ulysseus@ucg.ac.me