22.07.2025 University of Calabria Shares EUPeace Alliance Experience at UNIMED 2025 Mediterranean Cooperation Roundtable

The University of Calabria (Unical) participated in a roundtable titled "From the European University alliances to the Euro-Mediterranean University alliances: the way forward" at the UNIMED 2025 General Assembly.

Prof. Luigi Boccia, the Rector's Delegate for International Relations in Europe, represented the University of Calabria and shared insights from the EUPeace alliance experience in the context of Mediterranean university cooperation. The presentation analysed how the EUPeace alliance – the European University for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies – could provide valuable lessons and frameworks for fostering deeper collaboration among Mediterranean universities.

The General Assembly of UNIMED, held 9-10 July at the University of Calabria, brought together over 100 participants from more than 20 countries for discussions on regional academic cooperation.

During the roundtable, it was analysed how the EUPeace Alliance's focus on peace, justice, and inclusive societies could offer valuable insights for Mediterranean university cooperation. The presentation examined EUPeace's governance structures and collaborative mechanisms, exploring their potential relevance for addressing the specific challenges and opportunities facing Mediterranean universities.

The roundtable also featured representatives from two other prominent European university alliances: Unite! and CHARM-EU. CHARM-EU's representative, Raúl Ramos, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation Policy at the University of Barcelona, highlighted the importance of student-centered governance models and shared experiences in overcoming barriers to Mediterranean university cooperation.

The University of Calabria's contribution reflects its commitment to regional dialogue in higher education and its strategic position in Euro-Mediterranean academic cooperation. As UNIMED provides a platform for rectors, presidents and representatives to exchange views and determine policy, Unical's analysis of the EUPeace experience could inform future collaborative frameworks. This contribution places the University of Calabria among institutions working to strengthen academic ties across the Mediterranean basin, contributing to regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development in higher education.