09 Apr Global Solidarity, Learning and Action to Renew Higher Education’s Democratic and Civic Mission
Webinar organised by the Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education
This webinar, to take place on 9 April 2026, (9:00-10:30 AM EST / 3:00-4:30 PM CET) will extend the global dialogue on key themes and takeaways from this timely Global Forum. This includes, among other things, a focus on educating for democratic citizenship, prioritizing student voice and agency, protecting academic freedom as a right and a responsibility that upholds democratic principles, leveraging universities as democratic civic anchors in their local communities, rebuilding public trust, and restoring the social contract between higher education and society at large.
Moderator
- Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy, Council of Europe
Brief opening remarks
- Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General, International Association of Universities
- Yadira Pinilla, Senior Specialist, Department for Human Development, Education and Employment, Organization of American States
Panelists
- Timothy K. Eatman, Professor of Urban Education and Inaugural Dean of Honors Living-Learning Community (2016-2026), Rutgers University – Newark (New Jersey)
- Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona, Associate Vice President of Government Affairs & Institutional Relations, Ana G. Mendez University (Puerto Rico)
- Francis W. Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Pretoria; Chair of Universities South Africa
- Kirsten Roberts-Lyer, Professor and Chair of Human Rights Programme, Central European University
Brief closing remarks
- Ira Harkavy, Chair of the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility, and Democracy; Barbara and Edward Netter Director, Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania
Further information and registration: https://www.coe.int/en/web/education/-/global-solidarity-learning-and-action-to-renew-higher-education-s-democratic-and-civic-mission