Global Experts Gather to Inspire the Next Generation of Higher Education Leaders
From July 22 to 25, 2024, higher education leaders from the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe gathered in Aarhus, Denmark, for the IV IAUP Seminar on Leadership Development for New Presidents and Emerging Leaders, organized together with Santander Universidades and Helnan Group. Over four days, experts from institutions and organizations across 12 countries discussed key topics in higher education and participated in individual mentoring sessions, sharing their extensive experience with new university leaders worldwide.
“It is crucial that we contribute to strengthening talent and leadership development in global higher education, fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure a sustainable and successful future for our institutions. This Seminar allows emerging leaders to engage one-on-one with international colleagues to refine their strategies and complement the tools needed to face current and future challenges,” said IAUP and CETYS President, Dr. Fernando León García.
Additionally, Arturo Cherbowski Lask, Executive Director of Santander Universidades shared that forums like this are fundamental in shaping the future of higher education institutions and their next leaders. “Universities need not only spaces for reflection but also development opportunities, and the commitment of institutions like IAUP to follow through on the agreements and initiatives that emerge from the exchange of experiences. At Santander Universidades, we are proud to support this Seminar and to collaborate with great allies who share our mission to support higher education,” he said.
The Seminar covered critical topics in higher education, including governance, post-COVID-19 leadership challenges, mission, vision, and strategic planning, internationalization, student development and success, artificial intelligence and innovation, quality, accreditations, and rankings, funding models for higher education, sustainability and the UN’s SDGs, female leadership and inclusive strategies, and crisis management in universities.
Panel sessions provided valuable insights into the current and future landscape of higher education, while individual mentoring sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and a guided tour rounded out the comprehensive program, providing participants with personal guidance, professional connections, and cultural enrichment.
The Seminar has previously been held in Aalborg, Denmark (2019), Mexico City (2022), and Doha, Qatar (2023).
