The KIND – Knowledge and Informal Diplomacy conference gathered academics, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the evolving role of universities as informal diplomatic actors in addressing shared global challenges. Moving beyond their traditional missions of teaching and research, universities are increasingly seen as hubs for knowledge-driven diplomacy, leveraging expertise to tackle urgent issues like climate change, public health crises, and geopolitical tensions.
In her opening speech, Marina Cino Pagliarello, EUI Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow and organiser of the event, underlined the transformative impact of knowledge in building bridges between nations and communities: "An event like the KIND conference is more than a gathering – it is a celebration of one of the most fundamental and precious activities of any university: the creation and exchange of knowledge."
"In these challenging times, safeguarding global public goods is paramount, and knowledge and education stand among the most essential," Cino Pagliarello continued. "Through platforms for open dialogue, where all voices are valued, universities provide a bridge to inclusive solutions, demonstrating that informal diplomacy is not only possible but vital for building a secure and sustainable future."
The conference also highlighted the achievements of CIVICA as an alliance of European universities and its broader societal impact. Discussions illustrated how networks like CIVICA advance cross-border collaboration, creating opportunities for mutual understanding and innovation. Reflecting on this, Cino Pagliarello articulated the importance of grassroots initiatives in reshaping international relations:
"University alliances like CIVICA show us that universities are more than places of learning – they are powerful forces for mutual understanding. These alliances demonstrate that transformative change often begins within universities, where knowledge and collaboration naturally extend beyond borders. This points to the key role of universities in advancing global collaboration – not through top-down state actions, but through grassroots, knowledge-driven exchanges that can influence international relations in ways traditional diplomacy often cannot."
Aurélien Krejbich, Executive Director of CIVICA, shared his perspective on the alliance's progress and future direction. Having been involved with CIVICA since its inception, Krejbich reflected on how the alliance exemplifies the evolving role of European university collaborations:
"Spending two days at the EUI to reflect on the CIVICA initiative and the broader European Universities Initiative has been incredibly rewarding. Having been involved from the very beginning in the conception and development of this programme, it’s inspiring to see it now being studied as a model by researchers, students, academics, and policymakers alike. This moment feels like the right time to take a step back and hear from various stakeholders and consider the future of CIVICA after five years of successful implementation. We are now entering a pivotal phase where we must think long-term and refine the alliance’s strategy to maximise its impact for both students and faculty."
One of the recurring themes was the role of universities as mediators in times of crisis. Angela Liberatore, Head of the Scientific Management Department at the ERC Executive Agency, delved into how universities foster international understanding and build resilience even amidst conflict. She emphasised the concept of "people-to-people diplomacy," illustrating how informal connections can strengthen global cooperation:
"Universities have a key role in keeping, first of all, people-to-people contacts. We need scientists, researchers, students to collaborate and speak with each other. Also, or even especially, when things are difficult, in case of conflicts, tension, this is why so-called informal diplomacy, which I consider part of science diplomacy, is very important. This is the bottom-up approach, people-to-people."
Liberatore also highlighted the multifaceted contributions of universities beyond their diplomatic role: "Universities are great actors to develop knowledge. Knowledge is important as an instrument to tackle any of the global challenges we have, but it's also value in itself. Can you imagine a good, democratic, prosperous society without universities? The answer is no."
"Universities can be a safe place for people who are not safe," Liberatore also noted. "This is definitely one of the things where we need to join forces, provide spaces."
As the conference concluded, reflections turned to the enduring importance of the social sciences and humanities in navigating Europe's future. EUI President, Professor Patrizia Nanz, reflected on how these disciplines equip societies with both analytical tools and imaginative perspectives, offering essential guidance in a rapidly changing world:
"The social sciences and humanities are crucial to clarifying Europe’s transformative goals, equipping us to assess technological progress for humankind and concretely for the lives of citizens. Sociology, anthropology, and history expose how innovation affects societies and can contribute to giving orientation for institutions and societies at large, imagining a more equitable and sustainable future."
This reflection was echoed in her comments on CIVICA's broader mission as a model for advancing democratic resilience through interdisciplinary collaboration:
"Through its initiatives in research, education, civic engagement, and digital innovation, CIVICA exemplifies how universities can transcend national boundaries, enabling the social sciences and humanities to build an informed, resilient, and democratic Europe."
CIVICA brings together ten leading European higher education institutions in the social sciences, humanities, business management and public policy, with a total of 72,000 students and 13,000 faculty members. Together, they build on an ever-stronger combination of teaching research and innovation to mobilise and share knowledge as a public good and to facilitate civic responsibility in Europe and beyond.