CHARM-EU is an innovative project: Challenge-driven, Accessible, Research-based and Mobile. It is also a cooperation between different European universities, cultures and languages. Eleven languages, to be precise. Many ways to see the world, as many challenges to overcome.
“Our struggles have most often been caused by the differences between our cultures”, said László Borhy, Rector of ELTE University, who opened CHARM-EU’s Annual Conference 2024. Hence the importance of “Bridging culture, embracing diversity”, the inspiring motto of CHARM-EU Days 2024.
Gatekeepers of knowledge
This was also emphasised by the speeches of the nine partner universities’ Rectors and Vice-Rectors who all spoke in their native languages in a general greeting to the audience, pointing out the importance for Europe to stay united.
As universities, “we are the gatekeepers of knowledge” said Jan Butí, president of CHARM-EU Student Council, who also highlighted the need for “building together a future where all voices are valued.”
During the day, various aspects of interculturality were addressed in line with the theme of intercultural learning in European University alliances and the global south’s perspective on higher education. Different perspectives on these subjects were discussed in detail. In the keynote speech, Professor Lan Anh Nguyen Luu, Director of the Institute of Intercultural Psychology and Education at ELTE, explored the concept of “cultural intelligence” or a person’s capacity to adapt effectively in a new cultural setting. “We have to find our means to make the bridge stronger to enhance intercultural competencies”, she concluded, underlining the importance of campus-based activities for both local and international students.
Spirit of collaboration
Panel discussions were followed by workshop sessions about challenge-based learning, exchange students, AI and multilingualism and joint virtual offices. Umesh Bawa, University of the Western Cape, South Africa said: “We must reverse the gaze and look not from north to the south but from the south to the north. Frameworks of understanding from the global south are important if we want to make a difference.”
Meritxell Chaves, CHARM-EU Secretary General, underlined the “spirit of collaboration” uniting all partner universities as she launched the inaugural CHARM-EU Cultural Festival. “Working together creates something so much stronger.”
This was echoed by Eötvös Loránd University Choir who performed the European anthem in each of the 11 CHARM-EU languages, to great applause. Thus, showing that not only is culture a bridge between our countries, it’s a beautiful and meaningful land to explore together in all its diversity.
Building trust
In his closing remarks, Jan Haarhuis, outgoing CHARM-EU Director at Utrecht University, said: “At the core of our collaboration lies trust and reliability between all partners. In the field of international and intercultural collaboration, building trust is crucial but challenging, and requires constant attention and care. […] Bridging cultures and embracing diversity is essential to sustain our alliance and I imagine this applies to all European Universities alliances.”
His words serve as a reminder that European Universities alliances are fostering a shared commitment to openness and inclusivity which is key to strengthening the European Values in the higher education area.
