On April 21–22, 2026, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica welcomed members of the governing bodies of the European University Alliance EMERGE—an association of nine partner universities from across Europe. The joint meeting of the Governing Board, Student Advisory Board, and Project Management Team created a dynamic space for intensive collaboration, the exchange of experiences, and the joint planning of the alliance’s future direction.

The event was officially opened by representatives of the host university and the alliance: UMB Rector Vladimír Hiadlovský, President of the University of A Coruña and Chair of the Governing Board Ricardo Cao Abad, UMB Vice Rector for Strategy, Internationalization, and International Cooperation Miroslava Knapková, EMERGE Secretary General Lesley Lelourec, Student Advisory Board representative Zuzana Michalková, and UMB Vice Rector for the EMERGE European University Alliance Katarína Chovancová. The atmosphere of the opening ceremony was enhanced by a performance by the Mladosť University Choir.

The core of the morning program on the first day consisted of plenary presentations focused on the alliance’s key priorities. Anne Goarzin (University Rennes 2) and Angela Farrell (University of Limerick) introduced the EMERGE Plurilingual Language Policy and explained why supporting multilingualism and linguistic diversity is an integral part of the European Higher Education Area. Janka Táborecká and Alžbeta Brozmanová Gregorová from UMB then presented on the topic of Community Engagement within EMERGE and demonstrated how universities can actively shape community life and strengthen their social impact in the regions.

The afternoon of the first day was devoted to parallel sessions of the alliance’s various structures, which focused on strategic management, project coordination, and student involvement in the day-to-day operations of EMERGE.

A special highlight of the event was the offical reception at Banská Bystrica City Hall—a venue where the academic community met face-to-face with regional representatives. The lively discussion included Ondrej Lunter (Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region), Ema Lukáčová (Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Lesley Lelourec (EMERGE Alliance), Lucia Lipovská (Andrej Sládkovič Gymnasium), Izolda Kerner (SSV Elementary School), Irene Thorsplass (EMERGE Alliance, Lifelong Learning), Nathalie Kazazovic (University of Southern Brittany), Andrii Gladyr (Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University), and Alžbeta Brozmanová Gregorová (UMB Engage). The common theme of the discussion was the relationship between universities and their regions. It was noted that universities today cannot be merely educational institutions—they are, and must be, active partners in regional development in the areas of innovation, collaboration with the professional world, and community support. Alžbeta Brozmanová Gregorová, an expert in community engagement and director of the UMB Engage center, expressed this idea on behalf of all participants.: „Do we want to be a university alliance that responds to society, or one that helps shape it? We are convinced that the university of today should prepare future leaders, not just graduates. An engaged learning environment prepares students to become socially responsible leaders, capable of navigating complexity and uncertainty and committed to social justice and positive change.“

Particular attention was paid to graduates’ readiness for the job market: the panelists agreed that simply imparting knowledge is not enough—practical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions are equally important. Partnerships between schools and universities must be long-term, systematic, and firmly rooted in the real needs of the community. Lifelong learning naturally fits into this equation as a tool for the continuous development of competencies across society.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the idea resonated that universities are today one of the pillars of regional and civil society resilience. For EMERGE, engaging with communities is not merely an add-on—it is one of the alliance’s main priorities. The value of international cooperation was equally emphasized: sharing experiences and jointly seeking answers to societal challenges is something no university can achieve on its own. As Ricardo Cao Abad, Rector and Chair of the EMERGE Governing Board, said: „Why alliances like EMERGE matter precisely now? We are living in a moment of a profound uncertainty. The foundations on which the European project was built – cooperation, solidarity, openness, trust in knowledge are being tested by geopolitical tensions, social fragmentation and rapid technological change. At the same time, universities face enormous challenges. Educating for complexity, producing responsible innovations and responding to societal needs, that are increasingly urgent and interconnected. This is precisely why the spirit of EMERGE becomes essential. From the very beginning our alliance defended the idea that innovation, talent and social impact often emane from places, institutions and voices that lie outside of traditional centers. And that Europe becomes stronger when those margins are connected, recognized and empowered. In this context, joining forces is not an option, it is a must.“

The second day was devoted to working meetings and exploring the region. Members of the Governing Board visited the historic town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while other groups continued discussions on integrating work packages and the effective management of the alliance. The program also included a tour of Špania Dolina with its rich mining and historical heritage.

The event culminated at two venues worthy of a grand finale: at the State Opera in Banská Bystrica, where participants enjoyed a performance of the opera Carmen, and at a festive gala dinner held right on the UMB campus. The meeting clearly demonstrated that EMERGE is not merely a formal grouping of universities—it is a vibrant partnership that collectively builds modern, inclusive, and socially responsible higher education environments.