University Internationalisation During Geopolitical Challenges Discussed at International Conference

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Estonian National Agency for Erasmus+, and the European Solidarity Corps organised an international conference on the role of internationalisation in education and science on 25 March with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany. The aim of the conference was to discuss innovative internationalisation trends in Germany, the Baltic States, and the Nordic countries. 

At the opening address, Muriel Helberg, the Vice President of DAAD, emphasised the importance of internationalisation and international exchange at the time when geopolitical events have posed a security threat in Europe, and when the pandemic has been restricting opportunities for mobility for over two years. Based on the experience of various universities, a wide range of solutions for the new global context were identified at the conference.

Baiba Pētersone, the Director of RSU International Department, gave a presentation on internationalisation in the Baltic region. Pētersone also took part in a discussion on the future development of internationalisation together with peers from universities in Germany, the Baltic States, and the Nordic countries. The discussion was moderated by Heiko F. Marten, Director of the DAAD Information Centre for the Baltic States.

The conference was attended by university rectors, vice-rectors and heads of international departments from Germany, the Baltic States, and the Nordic countries. In addition to the conference programme, the event offered networking opportunities to promote the development of joint European projects.