The IAUP 26th Semi-Annual Conference, held in Vilnius and hosted by Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) in cooperation with the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), turned Lithuania into a hub of global academic leadership for several days.
University presidents, rectors, and academic leaders from across the world – from the United States to South Korea, from Bangladesh to Somalia – gathered in Vilnius. The event went beyond a formal meeting, becoming an intensive dialogue on how universities should operate in a rapidly changing world.
Universities: Beyond Knowledge Transfer
The conference was opened by MRU Rector Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, who set the tone for the discussions from the outset.
“Today, universities operate simultaneously as intellectual hubs, innovation ecosystems, and normative institutions that actively contribute to the creation of public good,” she said.
This idea became a central theme throughout the conference, framing the role of universities not only in academia but also in society at large.
International Perspectives on Leadership
The first session featured Dr. Larry Schall, President of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), who spoke about balancing quality, innovation, and accountability in higher education. He was joined by Dr. Isaiah Wakindiki, Vice Chancellor and CEO of KCA University (Kenya), who emphasized the importance of values-based leadership in an increasingly fragmented world.
The international perspective was further enriched by Dr. Juli Minoves-Triquell, Rector of the University of Andorra, who highlighted the role of small but impactful universities, and Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University (Bangladesh), who stressed the importance of ethics and inclusion in global leadership. Insights were also shared by Dr. Veselin Vukotić, Rector of the University of Donja Gorica (Montenegro).
Technology and the Future of Learning
The second session shifted focus to technology and the future of learning. It was moderated by MRU Vice-Rector for Studies, Prof. Dr. Natalija Kaminskienė. Participants included Dr. Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, Rector of SIMAD University (Somalia), who addressed unequal access to education in the digital age, and MRU Professor Dr. Marius Laurinaitis, who raised questions about the future of competencies as artificial intelligence takes on an increasing number of functions.
The practical application of technology was presented by Dr. Aleksandr Segal of MRU’s Institute of Psychology, who explored the use of virtual avatars in developing professional skills. The discussion also featured Alejtin Berisha, President of Universum International College, who spoke about preparing students for the future labor market, and MRU Associate Professor Dr. Jolanta Apolewicz.
New Models of University Funding
One of the most practice-oriented discussions focused on philanthropy and university funding. The panel was moderated by Dr. Devorah Lieberman, former President of the University of La Verne (USA). Participants included Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, President of California State University, Stanislaus; Dr. Richard Tollefson, President and CEO of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group; Dr. Kakha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University (Georgia); and Dr. Fernando León García, President of CETYS University (Mexico).
The discussion highlighted that universities are increasingly exploring new ways to ensure financial sustainability and strengthen their ties with communities.
Leadership in Times of Change
On the third day, the Presidents’ Forum focused on leadership in times of continuous change. The discussion featured MRU Rector Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, Dr. Eunjoo Lee, President of Seoul Cyber University, Dr. Kakha Shengelia, President of Caucasus University, and other leaders of the international academic community.
The conversation addressed how university leaders can balance innovation, academic values, and social responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the conference, a central idea repeatedly emerged – one emphasized by MRU Rector Dr. Inga Žalėnienė in her address:
“Innovation must remain human-centered, guided by ethical principles and aligned with broader societal goals.”
Summarizing the discussions, she also noted:
“Universities have always shaped the future, and today this responsibility is greater than ever.”
The conference in Vilnius demonstrated that higher education operates at the heart of global change, with universities increasingly becoming spaces where not only knowledge is created, but solutions with long-term societal impact are developed.
