Exploring pathways to well-being: Reflections from the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly and Mayors’ Meeting in Nantes
In a resounding convergence of minds and missions, the European University for Well-Being (EUniWell) recently hosted its 7th Rectors’ Assembly and the 2nd Mayors’ Meeting in the picturesque city of Nantes, France. The Rectors’ Assembly brought together academic leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing higher education and fostering collaboration among our EUniWell universities. Meanwhile, the Mayors’ Meeting focused on strengthening the relationship between universities, municipal governments and societal well-being by developing science-based public policy initiatives within our Alliance’s cities.
EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly: Strength in diversity
Under the patronage of Professor Carine Bernault, President of Nantes Université, the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly epitomised the Alliance’s steadfast commitment to shaping a brighter future through collaborative well-being-focused education, research, innovation, and active societal engagement. The gathering served as a crucial platform for rectors and student representatives from EUniWell member universities to chart the Alliance’s course towards the implementation of the “EUniWell 2030: Strategy Framework and Strategy Questions”. Discussions focused on: the future trajectory of EUniWell; growing the involvement of the Alliance’s diverse university communities; becoming a/the voice for well-being; realising our ambition as a European University; and creating communities centred on well-being across the Alliance. These strategic imperatives are crucial to establishing EUniWell as a leading force for well-being in higher education and beyond.
Following the opening session, the spotlight turned to a discussion of the EUniWell Platform Model. The Alliance is committed to building a diverse funding model - with competitive European funding complementing national, regional and institutional resources - to deliver our academic offerings, build our research capabilities portfolio, and strengthen our societal impact across member institutions, our communities and Europe. This funding model is essential to reinforcing EUniWell’s position as a trailblazer in promoting well-being through innovative higher education practices and research endeavours.
In the session “EUniWell Internationalisation: Going beyond Europe”, the Rectors’ Assembly addressed - in alignment with the ambitions of the European Universities Initiative - the topic of how to build EUniWell partnerships beyond European borders. The conversation focused on strategies to cultivate Alliance-wide partnerships by building from existing institutional networks. The Rectors’ Assembly also emphasised the link between well-being and tackling the complex geopolitical challenges that exist today, and the opportunity for academic collaborations to play a role in science diplomacy. Professor Beatrix Busse, EUniWell Chief Development Officer, underscored the significance of expanding internationalisation efforts, saying, “We must aim high and believe big. It is only through believing in the power of our collective potential and shared mission that we can truly transcend borders, broaden our reach, and create a global community of scholars and learners.”
The second day of the Rectors’ Assembly on 28 June focused on several key priorities for the Alliance: ensuring that EUniWell contributes to the ongoing European policy dialogues around higher education and research; and enhancing the EUniWell educational programmes. Participants discussed the recent European Higher Education Package including the European Degree; career development and research assessment; and open education. A discussion on prospective EUniWell actions to become a more green European University underscored the need to navigate the complexities of increasing mobility across the Alliance while decreasing our carbon footprint.
Mayors’ Meeting: Bridging academia and local governance
In conjunction with the Rectors’ Assembly, the EUniWell Mayors’ Meeting - built around the theme of ‘Well-Being in the City’ - brought together municipal leaders from EUniWell’s diverse cities with leaders from the eleven member universities of the Alliance. Following an opening by Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland, discussions centred on best practices and university-municipal collaborations in well-being and urban identity, citizen engagement, and fighting climate change. The nurturing of robust partnerships - not just between universities and their local communities but across Europe - can cultivate inclusive, resilient cities that prioritise the well-being of their residents.
Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes, reflected on the significance of this collaboration, describing universities as “one of the beating hearts of a city”. She stated, “Cities and universities are among the guardians of democracy and the values it conveys.”
During the event, the Deputy Mayor of Kyiv, Volodymyr Bondarenko, delivered a compelling address that resonated deeply against the backdrop of Ukraine’s struggle amidst the ongoing war and its devastating toll on daily life and well-being. “How will Kyiv ensure well-being tomorrow?” he asked, urging European support: “Stand with Ukraine. Peace has its price - thousands of Ukrainian lives. Stand with Ukraine.” Bondarenko’s impassioned plea underscored the broader significance of Ukraine’s plight, emphasising its implications for democracy across Europe.
Concrete actions and collaborative efforts
A highlight of the Mayors Meeting was the round table discussions to identify concrete, collaborative, well-being focused actions that can be jointly implemented across the cities and universities of the Alliance. Participants agreed that a mapping exercise of common ongoing initiatives would foster greater cooperation between all municipalities. Elise Lindner, Pilot Cities Project Officer for the City of Nantes, Iago Lestegás Tizón, City Councillor for Town Planning, Housing and Historic City for the Municipality of Santiago de Compostela, and Janós Kendernay, Chief Officer for City Diplomacy for the Budapest Municipality showcased successful projects and joint initiatives that have made a tangible impact on local communities, and the subsequent discussions considered how to implement initiatives across the Alliance.
Professor Carine Bernault, President of Nantes Université, expressed her enthusiasm, noting that “This is a first in-person meeting which I hope will be followed by many more [...]. Our duty as universities is to assert with determination the values that inspire us, but also to point out threats. [...] Within particular national and international contexts, we are meeting to discuss the universal subject of well-being, strengthening the bonds between our cities, and endeavouring to work together through concrete and innovative initiatives [...]. Today we have the power to make significant differences. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our labour. The well-being of all is at the service of each and every one of us.”
Professor Beatrix Busse, EUniWell Chief Development Officer, emphasised the unified purpose between the Alliance and its cities: “EUniWell is part of the social and urban tissue. This inspiring meeting facilitated deep dives into the pressing issues of our time, leaving us with a lot to digest. It underscored the importance of collaborative approaches and the strength of EUniWell’s collective expertise. While we are action-focused, it’s clear that achieving our goals will take time.”
Student voices: Shaping EUniWell
Students played a substantial part in both these meetings, with EUniWell Chief Student Officer Maurizio Häfele and Student Board Executives Letizia di Donato and Federica Roldi being involved in all discussions. During the Rectors’ Assembly, our student representatives contributed unique insights on university collaboration and fostering student well-being. In the Mayors’ Meeting, they brought a fresh perspective to public policy initiatives that strengthen societal well-being for future generations.
During the Student Board meeting, they emphasised the critical role that student perspectives play in shaping policies and initiatives within the Alliance, and sought to align their activities with the EUniWell strategic goals. Students bring unique insights into well-being and innovation, and help ensure EUniWell and its cities remain responsive to the needs of the young academic community.. Maurizio Häfele, Chief Student Officer, expressed his enthusiasm, sharing, “We, the students, are grateful and feel valued by the Alliance. Not all alliances recognise the importance of student contributions in the way EUniWell does, and we are eager to take on a more active role and get involved.”
Charting the course for tomorrow
Throughout both the Rectors’ Assembly and the Mayors’ Meeting, the discussions were marked by a shared vision of fostering a forward-thinking Alliance model that not only educates and empowers future generations, but also strengthens our communities based on a commitment to individual, societal and planetary well-being.
As the curtains closed on these seminal gatherings, participants departed Nantes with a renewed sense of purpose. The outcomes of the EUniWell Rectors’ Assembly and Mayors’ Meeting are set to make an impact on the universities, cities and regions of EUniWell, and on the landscape of European higher education. EUniWell continues to usher in an era in which well-being serves as the cornerstone of academic and societal discourse.
Stay in touch & up-to-date!
Follow us on our social media channels:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
And subscribe to our EUniWell newsletter for regular highlights and save-the-dates to upcoming EUniWell events delivered straight to your inbox:
