Católica Corporate Governance 2025 meeting discusses the role of Catholic universities in the era of deregulation

Between 17 and 19 September, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa held its annual Católica Corporate Governance meeting at the Vidago Palace Hotel, under the theme The Role of Catholic Universities in the Age of Deregulation.

The event featured prominent speakers, including the President, Isabel Capeloa Gil, whose reflection was entitled “UCP – 2025. The State of Creative Disruption"; José Manuel Durão Barroso, who addressed geopolitical awareness and the role of the Universidade Católica; and Vice-Rector Céline Abecassis-Moedas, who reflected on the impact of universities over longer careers.

The programme included an international conference given by Rev. Dennis Holtshneider (USA), the presentation of UCP's new institutional brand by Ana Vidal, Head of Communications and Marketing at the University, as well as team-building sessions and debates on leadership and care in organisations, with Lígia Modesto Fraga, Chair of the Executive Committee of INOTEC – Ambiente, Energia e Comunicação, S.A.

The last day began with a presentation by Vice- Rector, Miguel Athayde Marques on Campus Veritati, followed by a presentation on budget management by the Administrator, Helena Brissos de Almeida. This was followed by a reflection on curriculum reform, presented by Vice-Rector Isabel Vasconcelos, and group work, led by Vice-Rector Margarida Mano, in conjunction with the Quality Team.

The meeting culminated in the presentation of the 2025-2028 strategic development plan and ended with closing remarks by the President, Isabel Capeloa Gil.

The Católica Corporate Governance space reaffirmed itself as a privileged forum for dialogue and strategic reflection on the future of the University and the role of Catholic universities in contemporary society.