Rector Molari in Japan to Define New International Strategies

The mission began at Sophia University in Tokyo with the IAU Presidents’ Forum, titled The Role of Higher Education Leaders in Times of Geopolitical Instability. This important event brought together university leaders from across the globe to discuss how higher education institutions can address increasing geopolitical challenges through innovative and collaborative academic leadership. Following opening remarks by Patrick Deane, Vice President of the IAU and Principal of Queen’s University (Canada), the forum offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the strategic contributions of universities in times of global insta bility. As a longstanding member of the IAU, the University of Bologna reaffirmed its commitment to being a key player in strengthening international cooperation.

The final day of the mission featured Rector Molari as a speaker at the United Nations University Centre in Tokyo. The conference focused on universities' contributions to sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the energy and climate crises. In his address, the Rector explored a critical question: "How can universities balance their traditional mission of education and research with the urgent need to promote sustainability?" He stressed that, beyond designing innovative solutions, universities must act as tangible models of sustainability, demonstrating leadership through concrete and responsible initiatives. In the context of the climate crisis, these institutions are called to transform knowledge into effective actions to tackle global challenges.

In addition to the main events, the Rector and the Vice Rector attende. These included discussions with President Etsuko Yaguchi and Professor Toshiya Aramaki at Toyo University, as well as a meeting with Kate Elwood, Dean of the International Affairs Division, at Waseda University. The goal of these interactions was to strengthen existing collaborations and lay the groundwork for new opportunities in academic exchange and joint research. A meeting at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo further underscored the significance of collaborative initiatives between Italian and Japanese institutions and promoted the development of new projects.