With the symbolic strength of Athens’ scholarly tradition encompassing contemporary academic collaboration, the 35th General Assembly of the Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA) closed at the historic main building of the University of Athens.
The proceedings began on Thursday, 19 June, with the UNICA Administrative General Assembly. The meeting, held in a hybrid format—with in-person attendance as well as options for remote participation and voting—offered an opportunity for senior leaders of UNICA member Universities to exchange information, share strategies, and make decisions on the future of the alliance.
‘It is a great pleasure and distinct honour to welcome to Athens our colleagues from the Universities from the capitals of Europe’, said the Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos. ‘This event strengthens the ties within the UNICA network and reflects our commitment to international academic cooperation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the promotion of humanistic values in Higher Education.’
In the afternoon, parallel sessions followed, namely:
- The UNICA leadership meeting at the Great Hall of NKUA and
- The UNICA Contact Persons and International Relation Officers’ meeting at the ‘Alkis Argyriadis’ Amphitheatre.
On Friday, 20 June, the focus shifted entirely to the UNICA Rectors’ Seminar on the theme ‘The Key Role of the Humanities in Our Universities.’ A series of presentations, panels, and discussions, with the participation of distinguished figures from the academic and research community across Europe, shed light on the challenges and importance of the Humanities in today’s Universities.
The Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos stressed that: “This year marks a significant milestone in our journey—a celebration of 35 (thirty-five) years of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to the advancement of higher education across Europe. Over these decades, UNICA has grown into a vibrant network of universities, united by our dedication to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of knowledge.
We gather here not only to celebrate the remarkable legacy of our network but also to reaffirm our shared mission: to strengthen the role of universities as engines of critical thought, democratic dialogue, and sustainable transformation across Europe and beyond.
Our gathering here today is not just a meeting of minds but a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to shape the future of higher education. In a world that is rapidly changing, the role of Universities has never been more critical. As we engage in discussions, let us be guided by the topic of this year’s Rectors’ Seminar: “The Key Role of the Humanities in Our Universities.”
Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and data governance are reshaping not only our economies but the very meaning of human agency. It is here that the University has a moral responsibility: to frame technological progress within a context of ethics, equity, and democratic accountability.
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, one of the oldest institutions in Southeastern Europe, is proud to host this gathering of university leaders of all the universities, members of the wide UNICA network!
Together, let us embrace this opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and envision a future where our universities continue to be beacons of knowledge, understanding, and progress.”
This year’s event in Athens showcased the role of UNICA as a dynamic network committed to shaping the present and the future of European Higher Education.
The ‘Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe – UNICA’ (http://www.unica-network.eu) was created in 1990 as a result of an initiative by a group of European Universities, including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which are the founding members of the network. NKUA is the only Greek Higher Educational Institution participating in it. Today, UNICA comprises 54 Universities, with a combined staff of 150,000 and 1,500,000 students, located in 42 European capitals. It is also a member of other organizations, including the European University Association (EUA), the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR), and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). In addition, UNICA is engaged in numerous European programmes, serving both as a coordinator and partner.
The network strengthens collaboration among its member Universities, upholds high standards in academic, research, and administrative activities, fosters the development of joint curricula, and actively promotes member participation in European programmes. Representatives from UNICA Universities regularly meet to develop common strategies focused on internationalizing studies, encouraging mobility among students and staff, supporting excellence, and advancing research, as well as contributing to the further development of Higher Educational Institutions and their engagement with society.
