In a world grappling with deep tensions and difficulties, it is urgent to continue viewing education as an act of courage and hope that builds peace, and solidarity service-learning (SSL) is a pedagogy that makes that possible.
Uniservitate is a global programme for SSL promotion in Catholic Higher Education Institutions. As part of its activities, the VI Global Symposium will be held on 6th and 7th November 2025 under the title Service-Learning in a Fragile World: Universities Nourishing Peace and Hope.
The title addresses the challenges universities face in a world of conflict, confrontation, and social polarization. In this context, education in general, and SSL in particular, can actively engage in the construction of the polis. Pope Leo XIV greeted us at his first appearance, following Jesus: ‘Peace be with you’ (Vatican, May 2025). Based on encounter, reflection, and engaged research, this academic and fraternal event is intended to be an experience of building peace and hope.
Focusing on the three objectives of Uniservitate global network (research, networking and institutionalization), the VI Symposium will promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue through solidarity service-learning. There will be three types of activities: panel discussions; concurrent sessions on research; and concurrent sessions on practical experiences inspired by the Global Compact on Education, aiming to contribute to joining hands, head and heart, as Pope Francis has taught us.
As part of the Symposium, and keeping in mind the objectives of the global network, there will also be a meeting of students (October); a meeting of regional hubs (5th November, optional); and a meeting of rectors (6th November).
The event is jointly organized by Uniservitate (Porticus + CLAYSS) and the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. It will be held in a hybrid modality at a global level: onsite for members of the regional hub of Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East (CEE&ME) and Asia and Oceania (A&O), and online for those who wish to participate from other regions of the world.
Objectives:
• Continue a cycle of Symposia of the Uniservitate global network launched in 2020 as a multicultural, “polyhedral” and plural space based on the contributions of the pedagogical approach of solidarity service-learning to holistic education in Higher Education.
• Explore SSL institutionalization models and processes in Catholic Higher Education to strengthen its identity and mission and build peace and hope in a fragile world.
• Analyze the spirituality of service and examine the connections between the spiritual dimension and the SSL institutionalization processes in Higher Education as a whole.
• Reinforce the dialogue among the SSL approach, the Global Compact on Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) based on the good practices in Catholic Higher Education Institutions.
• Facilitate the exchange of views on university community engagement and solidarity service-learning among specialists, university authorities, researchers, faculty members and students of Higher Education Institutions with their community partners from diverse cultural contexts worldwide.
Audience:
• Institutions that are members of the Uniservitate Global Network.
• Catholic Higher Education Institutions in general.
• Public and private universities and other higher education institutions in general.
• Networks related to SSL or Higher Education.
• Civil society organizations or public bodies.
An ever-expanding Global Network
Each day offers us a new opportunity, a new possibility… We have the space we need for co-responsibility in creating and putting into place new processes and changes. Let us take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies. Today we have a great opportunity to express our innate sense of fraternity… (Fratelli Tutti, 77)
Invitation for Students Engaged in SSL
The Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East hub is organizing a global symposium for students engaged in solidarity service-learning projects worldwide. The proposal is to meet virtually on Thursday, 23rd October, at 1.00 pm German time, in a space hosted by the Uniservitate team of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany.
This meeting will provide an opportunity for students to share their views on their solidarity service-learning initiatives, focusing on the results these projects have had on their lives, the challenges they faced, and their suggestions to improve such initiatives.
The outcomes of this session will be presented two weeks later at a panel during the Uniservitate Global Symposium, which will take place in a hybrid format on 6th and 7th November.
The University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt warmly invites students who wish to present their experiences or participate as audience members. Please register here: https://forms.gle/gEFb97ezEf4BfRRA8
More information: VI Global Symposium Uniservitate