Concept Note
Where do calls for more sustainability and inclusivity and an increase of student and scholar mobility in higher education meet? In conversations and in literature, buzz-phrases such as ‘responsible”, ‘ethical’, ‘sustainable’, and ‘inclusive’ internationalization at the university/college level exist, but how do these words translate into the global, national and institutional mobility programs and fit into a culture of collaboration and exchange?
Higher education institutions have long been a catalyst of international knowledge exchange with people and ideas crossing borders for hundreds of years. However, international mobility is increasingly challenged with global geopolitical tensions, economic strains, climate change concerns, a global pandemic, and systemic racism. This has prompted scholars and practitioners to question whether this is the decline of the internationalization of higher education as we know it or the beginning of a new era complete with new models of practice.
This virtual conference is an open forum that welcomes “multiple voices” to help build an understanding of the evolving status of mobility in Canada´s higher education and beyond, to critically reflect on where we are now, and to collectively build a future vision of international mobility within internationalization strategies and practices. With student mobility at focus while also looking into related mobility issues such as research collaborations and university partnerships, the discussion will focus on the challenges, benefits, impacts, and shifting nature of international mobility at educational institutions.
Discussions will include how the perception of education abroad is evolving in an era of climate change, global pandemics, and global geopolitical and economic strains; how to cultivate reciprocal, sustainable, and mutually beneficial mobility programs; and share innovative frameworks, policies and practices. This is an opportunity to share experiences with the wider national and international communities; learn from others’ experiences and initiate long term discussions and partnerships.
Overall conference themes:
- Sustainable and responsible mobility – new paradigm or just paradox?
- ‘All means all’ inclusive access to international exchange and collaboration
- Practical approaches to innovation in higher education practices of student and scholar mobility
The Conference aims to:
- Initiate a discussion with global perspectives on international education and sustainability (post COVID-19) by bringing together mobility experts and coordinators responsible for international services and exchange programs, as well as experts in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) with policymakers and other practitioners
- Develop a Toronto 2022 York Declaration on responsible mobility in higher education: while recognizing the importance of international student and research mobility, higher education carries a responsibility to understand their impact in contexts of addressing both globalization and sustainability
- Contribute to the future of international education and sustainability in a new era of global uncertainties (post COVID-19)
- Bring forward international mobility discussions beyond student exchange to include innovative and inclusive global learning models and pedagogies whilst sharing a Canadian perspective(s) on internationalization and mobility
- Develop a strategy for ongoing networking and sharing in research and capacity building within the field that will extend well beyond the Conference
Conference Themes
International mobility in practice: institutional, national, and regional responses.
What are successful examples for mobility programs for students and academics and what are potentially replicable aspects? How can such programs enhance the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? What are policies and frameworks that foster a more sustainable approach to mobility and where are the current gaps? What are the drivers and barriers for students and academics in participating in and benefitting from international education? What has changed through COVID-19? What lessons can be learned from diverse international mobility models and experiences?
Greening student and scholar exchange: Concrete ideas and practices.
The international education community has been critiqued for its lack of recognition and action in relation to the environmental carbon footprint of its mobility programs. What are some current and/or future frameworks and practices that address this concern? How do exchange and internationalization activities align with the pursuit towards sustainability? What are the unspoken of (mental, emotional, and psychological) burdens that need to be addressed?
Assessment of intercultural development in mobility programs.
Can we assess the short and long-term intercultural learning and development stemming from mobility programs? How do we design learning outcomes and assessment tools that are credible and fit within the mission and vision of the postsecondary education institutions?
Mobility programs beyond academics: global and community engagement.
How can mobility programs contribute to the higher education institutions third mission, Community Service? Do we have a responsibility to bring back knowledge, innovative practices, and international contacts to our own and host communities? Is there a magical threshold between post-colonialization and global community service?
Inclusive student exchanges and experiences.
How can we enhance and systemically embed the internationalization of higher education in sync with calls for indigeneity, anti-coloniality, anti-racism and anti-imperiality? Increasing participation and creating equitable access are priorities in many institutions. Yet, to date, outgoing numbers in many countries are low and students with disabilities, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, mature students and other groups have been less represented. How do we ensure broader participation and a more inclusive exchange experience?
Leveraging technology and digital learning: Can we experience “abroad online”?
What are the opportunities and limitations of the online experience? What are the implications in terms of quality, standards, and professional development? How can we create online experiences that further identify and connecting beyond one's own community?
Conference Recordings
Opening Ceremony
- Land Acknowledgement
- Greetings from Conference Partner: Dr. Hilligje van't Land, Secretary-General, International Association of Universities, France
- Welcome Remarks by Prof. Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
- Remarks from Humayra Safa, SDSN SDG Hub York Education Officer, York University
Master of Ceremony: Prof. Theodoros Peridis, Director of Global Relations, Schulich School of Business
Plenary 1: Mobility in higher education: a new vision, pressures and opportunities for enhanced programs
If we look into the future of internationalization within higher education with inclusivity and sustainability at the core, how can we responsibly include mobility in higher education? How can mobility programs, international research and conferencing (both virtual and in person) in academia be designed to contribute to such new vision of international education?
Speakers
Prof. Hans De Wit, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, USA
Dr. Francisco Marmolejo, Education Advisor, Qatar Foundation and Former Global Lead of Tertiary Education, World Bank, Qatar
Dr. Lorna Jean Edmonds, former Vice Provost of Global Affairs and Assistant Vice President of International Relations, Ohio University, USA
Chair
Vinitha Gengatharan, Executive Director, York International, York University, Canada
Cultural contribution
Music with Ears on the Future: The Piano Lunaire and creating an inclusive community
Pianist and composer Adam Sherkin performs a selection of works from recent livestream events, as presented by his newly founded company, The Piano Luanire. The Piano Lunaire (created in 2018), is a new gen organization that produces contemporary performances, houses a record label and collaborates with the international musical community at large. Adam and his team evolved the conception of a brand that represents innovation, artistic integrity and inclusiveness. In January 2020, The Piano Lunaire inaugurated a workshop for emerging composers. By Spring 2020, facing challenges of COVID-19, music communities around the world pivoted online. The Piano Lunaire followed suit, originating a new virtual concert series: “LUNAIRE LIVE.”
Performer: Adam Sherkin, pianist, composer founder and artistic director of The Piano Lunaire, Canada
Additional pianist: Stephen Runge
Videographer: Varey Sound
Paintings/video sets: Gail Williams
Parallel Session 1: International mobility in practice: institutional, national, and regional responses
What are successful examples for mobility programs for students and academics and what are potentially replicable aspects? How can such programs enhance the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? What are policies and frameworks that foster a more sustainable approach to mobility and where are the current gaps? What are the drivers and barriers for students and academics in participating in and benefitting from international education? What has changed through COVID-19? What lessons can be learned from diverse international mobility models and experiences?
Prof. Aaron Benavot, Professor, SUNY-Albany and former Director, UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report
Prof. Alessandra Scagliarini, Vice Rector for International Relations, Università di Bolongna, Italy
Dr. Barnabas Nawangne, Vice-Chancellor, Member, Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, University of Makerere, Uganda
Giorgio Marinoni, Manager, HE and Internationalization, International Association of Universities (IAU), France
Sandra GuarÍn, Director, Office for International Relations, Universidad Antoinio Nariño, Colombia
Chair
Dr. Adel El Zaim, Chief Internationalization Officer, University of Ottawa, Canada
Parallel Session 2: Greening student and scholar exchange: concrete ideas and practices
The international education community has been critiqued for its lack of recognition and action in relation to the environmental carbon footprint of its mobility programs. What are some current and/or future frameworks and practices that address this concern? How do exchange and internationalization activities align with the pursuit towards sustainability? What are the unspoken of (mental, emotional, and psychological) burdens that need to be addressed?
Jana Dlouhá, Second Vice-Chairman of the Czech Commission for UNESCO, Charles University, Czech Republic
Dr. Judith Naidorf, Independent Researcher of CONICET, Institute of Research in Educational Sciences, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dr. Mark Terry, Director Youth Climate Report, UNESCO Chair Associate, York University, Canada
Dr. Tyrone Hall, Head of Communications NDC Partnership, World Resource Institute, USA
Chair
Dr. Ravi de Costa, Chair of the President's Sustainability Council, York University, Canada
Cultural Contributions
"We Shall Remain (It Wasn't Taken Away)" performed by lead vocalist Kalolin Johnson
"We Shall Remain" is the second installment of the "ABMHS Song Project" from "Allison Bernard Memorial High School" in Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada.The song was written by ABMHS music teacher, Carter Chiasson, grade 12 student and lead vocalist, Kalolin Johnson and her father, Tom Johnson. “We Shall Remain” is a tribute to elders and ancestors of all First Nations. The song echoes the voices of a strong and resilient people through times of innocence and harmony with the earth, through centuries of struggle, oppression and hardship and onwards into a time of rebirth and reconciliation through education and the empowerment of youth.
| Session | Recordings |
| Networking Session Hosted by the International Association of UniversitiesClick to read descriptionThe International Association of Universities (IAU) is the global voice of higher education and represents over 640 Members from more than 120 countries. IAU provides a platform for reflection and action on common priorities, including Sustainable Development and Internationalization. This networking session is open to all conference participants and will give a brief introduction to IAU’s work on Internationalization and HESD (Higher education and research for sustainable development),including the IAU HESD Global Cluster, a network with over 80 universities applying the SDGs in teaching, research and the whole institution. Furthermore, IAU advocates for the role of higher education for Agenda 2030 at the UN level. The session will provide an opportunity for participants to virtually exchange with IAU and Cluster representatives, and ask questions. Moderated by Isabel Toman, Programme Officer for Sustainable Development at IAU.Short interventions by IAU Cluster representatives | Recording Not Available |
| Opening CeremonyLand Acknowledgement Greetings from Conference Partner: Sébastien Goupil, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCORemarks: Bushra Ebadi, CCU Youth Council Representative and Global Advisor to Aya Chebbi (African Union Youth Envoy)Wrap-up of Day 1 by Prof. Charles Hopkins, York UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability (Conference Co-Chair) |
Plenary 2: Student & professional mobility 2030 and beyond: transferability of degrees, credit transfer, refugees and immigrants
What are the grand challenges for higher education having a mobile student community and workforce today and in the future? How can universities/colleges help create welcoming structures in receiving societies? Who is winning and who is losing through this global mobility?Click to view Keynote Speakers
Speakers
Dr. Ethel Valenzuela, Director, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat, Thailand
Fabio Nascimbeni, Senior Expert, UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union, Italy
Sjur Bergan, Head of Education Department, Council of Europe, Belgium
Chair
Dr. Liette Vasseur, President, Canadian Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global at Brock University, Canada
Cultural contributions
"Philippine Dance As An International Pedagogical Tool" by Paulo Alcedo and Dr. Patrick Alcedo
Philippine dance does not only mirror the complexities of Filipino identity. It also shapes the ways in which Filipinos have determined to define who they are whether in the Philippines or in diasporic spaces like Toronto, Canada. Interspersing lecture with dance performances, Professor Alcedo will share his years of research on and teaching Philippine dance at York University that are predicated on issues of colonialism, post-coloniality, transnationalism and inclusive teaching.
Parallel Session 3: Assessment of intercultural development in mobility programs
Can we assess the short and long-term intercultural learning and development stemming from mobility programs? How do we design learning outcomes and assessment tools that are credible and fit within the mission and vision of the postsecondary education institutions? Click to view Speakers
Alex Rendon, Director of Operations for the Office of International Programs, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador.
Co-Presenters:
- David Huerta Harris, Director, Short-Term Mobility Programs, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico and Dr. Dominique Scheffel-Dunand, Academic Lead, Globally Networked Learning Initiative, York University, Canada
Dr. Darla K. Deardorff, Executive Director, Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), USA
Heather Williams, Work Integrated Learning: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project Manager, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Dr. Peter Wells, Chief, Higher Education, UNESCO, France
Chair
Prof. Matthias Barth, Co-Director, Institute for Sustainable Development and Learning (ISDL), Leuphana University, Germany
Parallel Session 4: Mobility programs beyond academics: global and community engagement
How can mobility programs contribute to the higher education institution's third mission, community service? Do we have a responsibility to bring back knowledge, innovative practices, and international contacts to our own and host communities? Is there a threshold between post-colonialization and global community service?Click to view Speakers
Dr, Addise Amado Dube, Head of Development and Communications, Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST), Ethiopia
Dr. Ana Maria Martinez, Research Associate, Las Nubes Project, York University Las Nubes Programme, Canada
Prof. Don Dippo, Professor, Faculty of Education, Co-Director of Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER), York University, Canada
Nidhu Jagoda, Youth Coordinator, SDSN Youth, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Canada
Chair
M. Nobuyuki Kambara, Vice Director of the Institute of Global Human Resource Development, Okayama University, Japan
Cultural contributions
Cebu Normal University Choir
The Cebu Normal University Chorale is the lead student Cultural Organization that serves as the singing ambassadors of one of the leading teacher-training institutions in the Philippines. This group aims to promote cultural awareness through its various range of music repertoire which caters diverse genre in the appreciation of culture and the arts. They have performed numerously across the metropolis and beyond as a way of giving out their God-given talents as well as upholding the name of the university. Through their suppleness in different genus of choral music, countless invitations and infinite event productions have come their way to the pedestal as they have performed and brought the sweet rewards in various competitions and made cordial marks to the hearts of the adjudicators and spectators of different grandiose events.
Networking Session Hosted by Okayama University
| 8:15 am EST / 10:15 pm JST: Opening Remarks: ESD, Earth Charter, and STI for SDGs at Okayama University to Achieve the Human and Planetary Health Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President for Global Engagement Strategy, UNESCO Chairholder in Research and Education for Sustainable Development, Okayama University |
| 8:20 am EST / 10:20 pm JST ESD at Okayama University Partnering with York University: Toward Achieving the SDG Target 4.7Charles A. Hopkins, UNESCO Chairholder in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability, York University, Canada |
| 8:25 am EST / 10:25 pm JSTEarth Charter at Okayama University Partnering with Earth Charter: The Ethical Flamework for Sustainable DevelopmentMirian Vilela, Director at Earth Charter Center on Education for Sustainable Development, UNESCO Chairholder on Education for Sustainable Development with the Earth Charter, University for Peace |
| 8:30 am EST / 10:30 pm JST - STI for SDGs at Okayama University Partnering with UNCTAD: Foster Young Scientific Talents in Developing Countries Kunio Kimura, Vice President for International Affairs, Okayama University |
| 8:35 am EST / 10:45 pm JSTDiscussion & Networking |
Opening Ceremony
Land Acknowledgement
Greetings from Conference Partner: Prof. Hirofumi Makino, M.D, Ph.D, President of Okayama University Intervention/remarks from Risa Akiyama and Sota Matsumoto, Okayama student representatives Wrap-up of Day 2 by Prof. Charles Hopkins, York UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability (Conference Co-Chair)
Plenary 3: The Futures of Education
UNESCO’s Futures of Education global initiative aims to reimagine how knowledge and learning can shape the future of humanity and the planet. The initiative is designed as a co-construction process that activates broad public engagement, expert inputs, as well as the work of the International Commission on the Futures of Education. Based on the results from the first round of results and discussion – what are the implication for higher education in the 21st century in a post-pandemic world.
Speakers
Dzulkifli bin Abdul Razak, Rector and Past President of the International Association of Universities, International Islamic University, Malaysia
Larissa Bezo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Bureau for International Education, CBIE, Canada
Dr. Noah Sobe, Senior Project Officer for the Futures of Education Global Initiative, UNESCO, France
Chair
Dr. Hilligje Van't Land, Secretary-General, International Association of Universities, France
Cultural Contributions
AI, Japanese R&B Singer
Japanese R&B star AI moves freely between pop, hip hop and dance, combining American soul with the deep emotion of Japanese ballads. Her international r eputation has grown with exciting collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Chris Brow n, Jim Jones, Trey Songz, Lloyd, Jeremih, Boyz II Men, K’Naan, Judith Hill, Namie Amuro, Atsushi(EXILE), Rain, The Jacksons and Chaka Khan.
With her trademark husky voice, she instills soulful undertones into everything from inspirational ballads to upbeat dance numbers. Especially in Japan, her music is known for its strength and substance. Despite the fame she’s achieved, her down-to- earth personality shines during every performance. As AI will tell you, she’ll do anything to get a smile from her fans.
Parallel Session 5: Inclusive student exchanges and experiences
How can we enhance and systemically embed the internationalization of higher education in sync with calls for indigeneity, anti-coloniality, anti-racism and anti-imperiality? Increasing participation and creating equitable access are priorities in many institutions. Yet, to date, outgoing numbers in many countries are low and students with disabilities, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, mature students and other groups have been less represented. How do we ensure broader participation and a more inclusive exchange experience?
Speakers
Anna Veigel, Head, Kulturweit – International Volunteer’s Service, German Commission for UNESCO and the Federal Foreign Office, Berlin, Germany
Dr. Diane Barbaric, Higher Education Public Policy Researcher, University of Toronto, Canada
Heila Lotz-Sisika, Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC), Rhodes University, South Africa
Dr. Kao-Cheng Wang, Vice President, International Affairs, Tamkang University, Taiwan
Chair
Wagaye Johannes, Director of Operations & Organizational Development, Diversity Abroad, USA
Parallel Session 6: Leveraging technology and digital learning: can we experience “abroad online?
What are the opportunities and limitations of the online experience? What are the implications in terms of quality, standards, and professional development? How can we create online experiences that further identify and connecting beyond one's own community?
Della Burke, Coordinator of Campus Internationalization, ITESO, Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Mexico
Dr. James C. Simeon, Associate Professor, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University, Canada
Co-Presenters:
- Prof. Itzel Barrera de Diego, Professor, Law and International Relations, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico; Prof. Hugo Cahueñas, Professor, Law and International Relations, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador; and Vania Ramírez-Camacho, Associate Regional Director, Political Science and International Relations Department, School of Social Science and Government, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
Dr. Mirian Vilela, Director, Earth Charter Center on Education for Sustainable Development at University for Peace, Costa Rica
Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary-General, Association of Indian Universities, India
Chair: Isabelle LeVert-Chiasson, Education Programme Officer, CCUNESCO, Canada
Closing Keynote and Adoption of the 2021 Toronto Declaration
- Closing Keynote from Prof. Lisa Philipps, Provost and Vice-President Academic, York University
- Wrap up of Day 3 by Prof. Charles Hopkins, York UNESCO Chair in Reorienting Education towards Sustainability (Conference Co-Chair)
- Adoption of the Declaration
- Next Steps for Sustainable on the Go by Vinitha Gengatharan, Executive Director, York International, York University
Master of Ceremony: Dr. Andrew Maxwell, Bergeron Chair In Technology Entrepreneurship, and Director Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST), Lassonde School of Engineering
Conference Partners
International Association of Universities
To learn more about the IAU, visit www.iau-aiu.net/
Okayama University, Japan
To learn more about Okayama University, visit www.okayama-u.ac.jp/
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
To learn more about CCUNESCO, visit https://en.ccunesco.ca/