International Symposium on Higher Education Leadership, Innovation and Capacity Development | Mauritius (27 -31 July 2026)

LEADnetwork
3 days ago
2 min read

The organising partners are pleased to announce the International Symposium on Higher Education Leadership, Innovation and Capacity Development, which will take place in the Republic of Mauritius from 27 to 31 July 2026.

Organisers & Supporting Partner

This symposium is jointly initiated by the EU–China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the LEAD Academic Network, Zhejiang University, the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (UNESCO EE-Net), COLIANI, WERA, in collaboration with and with the support of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Research, Republic of Mauritius.

Key Themes

Higher education leadership and governance
Research, innovation, and institutional capacity development
Artificial intelligence in higher education
Micro-credentials
Educational entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education

Draft Programme Structure (Indicative)

Day 1: LEAD Academic Network ForumTheme: Global Perspectives on Higher Education Leadership

Strategic dialogue on leadership, governance, and international collaboration in higher education
Contributions from scholars, senior university leaders and LEAD Network partners
Focus on policy dialogue, leadership practices, and institutional development

Day 2–3: Zhejiang University & UNESCO EE-Net ProgrammeTheme: Capacity Development, Entrepreneurship Education, and InnovationSessions led and coordinated by Zhejiang University and UNESCO EE-Net

Topics may include entrepreneurship education, innovation ecosystems, talent development, research capacity building, and international training programmes
Contributions from UNESCO EE-Net partners, Zhejiang University experts, and invited international scholars
Emphasis on practical models, case studies, and scalable capacity development initiatives

Day 4: Joint Synthesis, Policy Dialogue & Cultural Exchanges

Joint reflection and synthesis of key insights from the symposium
Policy dialogue on future cooperation opportunities
Exploration of follow-up initiatives and long-term collaboration frameworks; Signing of Cooperation Agreements
Cultural exchanges

The programme is indicative and subject to final confirmation.

Participants

The symposium will bring together university leaders, policymakers, and academic experts from different regions to exchange experiences and explore future collaboration opportunities.

Practical Arrangements

Participants cover: international travel (round-trip airfare), accommodation, medical insurance, and other related costs.

Registration

Please complete the online registration form (Microsoft Forms) to confirm participation and provide essential logistical information (visa needs, travel dates, dietary requirements, etc.).

Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/hejaXD3FQp