The Essay
A Future of Peace & Harmony
Why collaboration between universities and embassies is crucial in fostering global citizens and a culture of peace.
By Lilian Ferrer, Full Professor at the School of Nursing, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Maribel Flórez, Director of Global Learning, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Alicia Salomone, Director of International Relations, Universidad de Chile
Gerardo Blanco, Academic Director of the Center for International Higher Education, Boston College
Higher education is undergoing a transformation and entering a new phase of internationalisation. As de Wit and Altbach point out, “a shift from internationalisation abroad, with its strong focus on a small elite of mobile students, faculty, administrators, and programs, toward internationalisation at home for all members of the academic community has become more urgent than ever”. In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, universities must tune in to students' needs and expectations, preparing them for a dynamic and uncertain future. We can achieve this by refining international cooperation strategies to be more inclusive, socially impactful and environmentally sustainable.
One crucial objective should be the formation of global citizens—individuals who, through international experiences, develop broad worldviews, intercultural competencies and the ability to navigate complex global challenges. Global citizenship is not merely about acquiring academic and technical knowledge but also about fostering intercultural understanding and critical awareness of international issues. To achieve this, universities must collaborate with institutional partners that can provide meaningful international exposure for students.
Embassies play a pivotal role in this endeavor, serving as bridges between nations, facilitating academic exchanges and supporting joint research initiatives. By working together, universities and embassies can cultivate a global community rooted in cooperation and mutual respect—essential values for a future of peace and harmony.
Global citizenship is not merely about acquiring academic and technical knowledge but also about fostering intercultural understanding and critical awareness of international issues.
Developing global citizens through international collaboration
Students who engage in international exchanges or collaborative projects learn to appreciate cultural differences, develop intercultural communication skills and become more aware of the socio-economic disparities that shape different societies. These experiences not only foster personal growth but also prepare students to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
By working on joint projects with peers from diverse backgrounds, students develop a sense of shared responsibility and a global perspective. This cooperative spirit is fundamental to addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises and social inequalities. Universities, therefore, must actively seek institutional partners that can provide students with these opportunities for growth.
As Pope Francis eloquently states in Evangelii Gaudium: “Catholic unity is diverse, but it is one. Unity is not uniformity. Cultural diversity does not threaten unity. Unity is never uniformity, but multiform harmony.”
This principle of harmony in diversity should guide universities in shaping future leaders—leaders who respect differences, embrace dialogue, and work towards common goals.
The role of embassies
In the process of globalising higher education, embassies serve as key facilitators of international collaboration. They support universities in establishing academic partnerships, negotiating agreements and creating networks that promote research, mobility, and knowledge exchange. Embassies also help institutions navigate bureaucratic and logistical challenges associated with international programmes, making academic exchanges more accessible and efficient.
Beyond logistical support, embassies enrich academic environments by fostering cultural exchange and language learning. They co-organise events, seminars and research initiatives, creating spaces where students, academics and diplomats can engage in meaningful dialogue. Such collaborations strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to a more interconnected global society.
Case study: US–Chile academic collaboration
A prime example of this collaboration is the academic event celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Chile. Hosted by the US Embassy in Chile, alongside UC Chile and the University of Chile, this event underscored the significant role of academic institutions in fostering international relations. It provided a platform for showcasing joint research, discussing past achievements and planning future initiatives.
The long-standing tradition of academic exchange between these two countries was made visible. Since the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Chile for Educational Cooperation in 1997, bilateral educational initiatives have flourished. Data from the Institute of International Education reveals a steady increase in Chilean students studying in the US, rising from 148 in 1949 to 2,483 in 2020.
Such sustained collaboration demonstrates the critical role embassies play in strengthening academic ties between nations. By sponsoring conferences, supporting joint research and facilitating exchange programmes, diplomatic institutions help shape future generations of scholars and global citizens.
Conclusion
The internationalisation of higher education is fundamental to addressing global challenges and fostering a culture of peace. Through academic mobility, collaborative research, and the cultivation of global citizens, universities can play a transformative role in creating a more just and interconnected world. However, this mission cannot be achieved in isolation—strong partnerships with embassies and diplomatic institutions are essential.
By facilitating academic exchanges, supporting research collaborations, and celebrating milestones, such as the 200-year anniversary of US–Chile relations, embassies help bridge nations through education. These partnerships not only enrich institutions and individuals but also contribute to global stability and progress.
Ultimately, the collaboration between universities and embassies is more than an academic endeavor—it is a commitment to shaping a future where knowledge transcends borders, cultures unite in mutual respect, and education serves as a foundation for peace.