Conference Theme

Both the city of Barcelona and the field of international higher education have forged their own creative pathways in the world. Barcelona has developed its own unique position globally via its unmatched architecture and its cosmopolitan character, and today it ranks as one of the world’s top smart cities.

This same creative and forward-thinking is also needed to address the complex realities of the world in which we live and operate as professionals. The field of higher education faces enormous pressures and challenges around matters of design, delivery and impact. However, internationalisation has the potential to redefine the norms that may constrain our work and guide education toward a better future. The theme of ‘Forging creative pathways’ celebrates both the city of Barcelona, teeming with creativity and bright plans for the future, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for creating responsible international higher education.