Between October 16–18, 2024, the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) celebrated its 32nd anniversary by organizing the international conference “Universitas Europaea: Toward a Knowledge Society through Europeanization and Globalization.” The event took place at ULIM’s headquarters in Chișinău, in partnership with Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Romania; Danubius International University of Galați, Romania; Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University of Bucharest, Romania; Northwest Normal University of Lanzhou, China; A. Zereteli University of Kutaisi, Georgia; and the Pro Marshall Center of the Republic of Moldova.
The conference marked an important milestone in strengthening the concept of “European universities,” providing a key framework for innovative academic dialogue. The focus was on identifying challenges related to the development of transnational academic governance, expanding international cooperation in education and research. Among the major topics addressed were: the development of innovation-based economies; history, politics, and media in post-Soviet and global societies; linguistic and cultural diversity; the impact of information technologies and design in contemporary society; the role of legal science in strengthening society; environmental protection and sustainable development; methodological advancements in libraries and education in social sciences, among others.
Discussions were held in plenary and thematic sessions, with the participation of researchers and specialists from Romania, France, Spain, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Israel, Georgia, Serbia, Hungary, Jamaica, and Malaysia. The presentations and debates were praised for their innovative approach to current socio-human challenges and the proposed initiatives in the context of rapid globalization. The conference concluded with outcomes emphasizing the expansion of international academic cooperation and the strengthening of interdisciplinary research networks. Participants highlighted the event’s importance for future collaborations between academic institutions from various regions of the world.
