Universidade Católica Portuguesa promotes the Debate on Responsible Internationalization at International Training Event

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto Campus, hosted an international staff training event under the theme “Responsible Internationalization: Finding the Balance Between Social Responsibility and National Security.”

The Staff Training Week served as a dynamic platform to discuss one of the most relevant topics in higher education today: how universities can advance global cooperation while simultaneously considering the regulatory and ethical demands stemming from the redefinition of responsible internationalization.

In a world where institutions are increasingly called upon to be globally interconnected and nationally accountable, more than 20 participants from various European universities explored the challenges and opportunities of promoting inclusion, academic freedom, and research collaboration, while ensuring compliance with national and international security regulations.

“The Staff Training Week was an extremely valuable experience in terms of learning, but also for strengthening institutional relationships and our commitment to responsible internationalization. Responsible internationalization is not a choice between global openness and national security—it is the art of building bridges that transform societies while preserving their foundations,” said Magda Ferro, Head of the International Office at the Portuguese Catholic University in Porto.

In this context, the event, held from May 12 to 15, included various interactive sessions, such as:

• “Changes in the Global Landscape: Geopolitics and Geoeconomics,” an in-depth analysis of how global political shifts are influencing Higher Education and international partnerships, led by André Azevedo Alves, Professor at the Institute of Political Studies;
• “Internationalization in HEIs – Continuing and New Trends,” a debate on trends, challenges, and possible solutions in an ever-changing world, by Magda Ferro, Head of the International Office at the Portuguese Catholic University in Porto;
• “The Impact of International Students in the Local Community: A Real Experience,” dynamic discussions and case studies on how international students enrich host communities and promote cultural exchange, by Rui Barros, alumnus of Católica Porto Business School;
• “Challenges for Global Education: How Disinformation and Language Control Shape People’s Perceptions of the World,” a critical look at how disinformation and language control influence people’s worldview and affect international collaboration, by Nelson Ribeiro, Vice-Rector for Transformation, Collaboration and International Affairs at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.