Antonine University (UA), represented by its Rector, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, and Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization, Prof. Rony Darazi, participated in the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE) Annual Conference 2026 and General Assembly, held from May 20 to 22 in Zagreb, Croatia, and hosted by the Catholic University of Croatia.
Gathering rectors and academic leaders from across Europe, Lebanon, and Ukraine under the theme “Inspiring Catholic Universities in Challenging Times,” the conference provided a platform to reflect on the evolving mission of Catholic higher education in a rapidly changing global context and to explore how universities can respond to contemporary social, technological, and educational challenges.
The conference opened with a keynote address by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, who invited Catholic universities to engage actively with today’s transformations while safeguarding the human-centered nature of education. Addressing the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, his reflections resonated with Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which calls for technological progress to remain at the service of humanity and the common good, while warning against systems that risk domination, exclusion, or the erosion of human dignity. The Cardinal emphasized that universities must remain spaces where critical thinking, ethical judgment, and personal responsibility are cultivated, ensuring that innovation does not compromise the deeper purpose of education.
In her opening remarks, FUCE President Prof. Elena Beccalli focused on the need to rethink educational approaches in light of major societal transformations. She pointed to demographic shifts, digital change, and the increasing vulnerability of students as key challenges requiring new strategies and stronger cooperation among institutions. She also stressed the importance of community, dialogue, and the holistic formation of students, encouraging educational models that promote engagement, creativity, and lifelong learning. In addition, she highlighted the value of strengthening international partnerships and developing joint initiatives that enhance both academic quality and social impact, positioning Catholic universities as active contributors to contemporary European and global debates.
The conference program featured keynote lectures, thematic panels, workshops, and networking sessions addressing central issues such as “Sustainability and the Enduring Appeal of Catholic Universities in Times of Declining Enrolment,” “Sustainability of Universities in Times of Digital Transformation,” “European University Alliances,” and “Preservation of Identity and Social Responsibility in a Time of Deep Social and Cultural Changes.”
As part of the program, Prof. Darazi contributed to the panel on the sustainability of universities in the context of digital transformation, where he outlined the specific challenges facing Lebanese higher education and showcased joint initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, adaptability, and long-term sustainability.
On the other hand, the FUCE General Assembly provided an opportunity to advance collaborative initiatives within the network, including the development of double-degree pilot projects.
On the sidelines of the conference, UA and the Catholic University of Croatia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their shared commitment to academic cooperation, innovation, and international engagement. The agreement opens new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest and further strengthens UA’s global network of partnerships.
Through its participation in FUCE 2026, UA reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to international dialogue on the future of higher education while strengthening collaborations that support academic excellence, innovation, and the formation of graduates capable of responding to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.