The early 21st century marked a new phase of globalisation in higher education, characterised by market-oriented reforms, intensified international competition and growing institutional autonomy under increasing budgetary pressure. Universities expanded their global reach, mobility increased, and new technologies—including artificial intelligence—reshaped teaching, research and governance. At the same time, global rankings and notions of “excellence” reinforced competitive dynamics within and across national systems.

Today, this globalised model is under strain. Shifting geopolitics, the reassertion of national interests, and debates over academic freedom, values and societal roles are redefining the position of universities. Tensions between international collaboration and re-nationalisation, alongside controversies around diversity, inclusion, political engagement and public accountability, place higher education institutions at the centre of wider economic, social and cultural fault lines.

The theme of the 2026 CHER conference invites reflection on the changing role of universities in this context. Are higher education institutions drivers of economic, cultural and political change, or are they increasingly constrained to implementing external agendas? The conference welcomes theoretical and empirical contributions examining universities’ agency across education, research, innovation, governance and internationalisation, from multidisciplinary perspectives.

Submission of proposals is open until 28 February 2026

The Fourth International Conference of the journal Scuola Democratica is devoted to examining the vital interplay between learning and democracy—two essential pillars for building societies that are just, inclusive, and sustainable. The theme Learning for Democracy/Democracy for Learning not only reaffirms the enduring significance of democratic values but also calls for their critical rethinking and their concrete realization in everyday educational and social practices. In a global landscape marked by democratic backsliding, widening inequalities, and accelerated digital transformation, it has become imperative to reconsider how education and democracy can be reconnected to cultivate conscious, critical, and actively engaged citizens. The Conference brings together Italian and international scholars and researchers in a broad, multidisciplinary conversation aimed at reimagining education and training as instruments of emancipation and as living practices of democratic citizenship—rooted in the present, yet responsibly oriented toward the future.

"Towards a Global TVET Agenda"  is a multilateral initiative to strengthen international cooperation and position Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of quality education, decent work, inclusive economic growth and resilient societies. It brings together leading international organizations within a single coordinated framework, linking policy dialogue, data development and implementation support. The second episode of the webinar series will concentrate on strengthening TVET systems through network collaboration, on how networks underpin international cooperation, building on institutional capabilities and learn from 30 years of experiences from the participators. Demonstrated by the UNEVOC Network, knowledge generation and sharing as well as capacity development will shown how to build resilient TVET systems.

From 7 till 10 September 2026 the Community of Practice of CoVEs will gather in Graz, Austria, for the fifth edition of the Forum on Vocational Excellence. If you want to be part of this inspiring and energetic event full of sharing best practices, lessons learned and finding creative solutions by working together between VET providers, companies and governments, make sure to put these dates in your calendar. More information about this event will follow in early 2026. Keep an eye on the CoP CoVEs linkedin page and their website (below) for further announcements.

Across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts, vocational education and training (VET) systems pursue a complex balance of aims.  While the economic aim of providing a skilled workforce for the labour market often dominates policy discourse, VET also serves important social aims. These aims, and the ways they are prioritized, are shaped by different political cultures, conflicting values and specific conceptions about education, work, and citizenship.

The 33rd VET & Culture meeting will provide an opportunity to examine from a comparative perspective, how social aims are understood and implemented in VET across different political and cultural contexts.

Call for papers open until 15 February 2026