Dr. François Mabille, Secretary General of the IFCU, reflects on the main challenges faced by Catholic universities in a world marked by polarization, digitalization, and a crisis of meaning. He also highlights opportunities for international collaboration between institutions in Latin America and the rest of the world. He reaffirms the role of Catholic universities as spaces for critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, and social transformation, while remaining faithful to their identity and evangelizing mission.

Prof. Miki Sugimura, Rector of Sophia University in Japan, reflects on the role of Catholic universities in promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue in increasingly diverse societies. She shares how her institution integrates values such as global citizenship and sustainability into its academic mission, and explores opportunities for collaboration between Catholic universities in Asia and Latin America to address global challenges, including inequality, climate change, and peacebuilding.

Drawing from her experience leading one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in Europe, Dr. Elena Becalli shares her perspective on the role of Catholic higher education in today’s global context. In this interview, she reflects on how a holistic education rooted in Catholic identity can respond to contemporary challenges—such as sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility—and emphasizes the importance of strengthening international academic networks between Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

We spoke with Eng. Patrick Scauflaire, president-rector of the Université Catholique de Lille, about the role of innovation and sustainability in university education from a Catholic perspective. He also reflects on the ethical responsibility of universities in the face of scientific and technological progress, as well as the challenges and opportunities involved in strengthening more collaborative, inclusive, and globally impactful international networks.

Brother Manuir Mentges, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), discusses the vital role of Catholic universities in advancing social justice and inclusion across Latin America. He also reflects on the challenges posed by digital transformation, the need to preserve a humanistic identity in academic innovation, and the opportunities that inter-university collaboration offers to collectively tackle major global issues.

In this interview, Brother Hernán Santos shares how the University of Bethlehem maintains its strong commitment to education and peacebuilding from a university and Christian perspective, within the complex context of the Holy Land. He reflects on the vital role universities must play in conflict settings to promote hope, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion. Additionally, he discusses how the University addresses the needs and aspirations of Palestinian youth while staying true to its humanistic and community-centered mission.

Fr. Gilbert Sales shares how his missionary experiences in Mongolia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines have shaped his vision of education and leadership in a contemporary Catholic university. He reflects on the integration of faith, service, and academic excellence in the mission of Saint Louis University, and discusses the vital role that Catholic higher education must play in addressing social inequalities and forming ethically grounded leaders for the future.

In this interview, Brother Joseph Chacko Chennattuserry discusses the role of Catholic higher education in promoting interreligious dialogue and cultural understanding in a diverse society like India. He also addresses how Catholic universities in the Global South can contribute to international conversations on sustainability, social justice, and inclusive development.

Dr. Josep Maria Garrell, president of the European University Association (EUA), reflects on the main challenges facing universities in Europe as they strive to remain relevant and globally competitive. He discusses the importance of international cooperation, strategies to strengthen transnational networks and promote academic mobility, as well as the key role of universities in driving digital transformation and sustainability in a constantly changing world.