Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) participated in the Global Citizenship Convention hosted by its partner institution, Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón, in Mexico from 27 to 30 January 2025.
With the theme “The World is Our House,” the convention aimed to strengthen institutional partnerships, promote academic mobility and cultural immersion, and deepen the understanding of global citizenship in higher education. This event aligns with Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón’s Institutional Strategy 2032, which highlights internationalization as one of its fundamental pillars.
Representatives from 23 universities across Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, El Salvador, the United States, the Philippines, France, Guatemala, Italy, and Mexico had the opportunity to engage with students, faculty members, staff, and administrators from academic institutions in Torreón. ADDU was represented by Mr. Romulo Vinci R. Bueza, Director of the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office, and Ms. Lyd Ejira C. Ducusin, AIM Assistant Director. They showcased ADDU’s academic programs as well as curated experiential learning programs like the international service-learning, Mindanao study visits, and other mobility programs. These programs garnered significant interest from Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón’s community, eager to engage in meaningful global learning experiences in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.
The convention also provided valuable opportunities for networking. ADDU representatives connected with participating institutions such as the Universidad Católica del Uruguay (Uruguay), University of Regina (Canada), Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (El Salvador), Universidad Católica de Córdoba (Argentina), Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (Italy), University of Arizona (USA), Universidad Rafael Landívar (Guatemala), Universidade do Vale do Río dos Sinos (Brazil), Loyola University Chicago (USA), Canisius University (USA), Universidad Iberoamericana León (Mexico), Universidad Alberto Hurtado (Chile), and more. These interactions fostered discussions on potential collaborations, student exchange programs, and other academic partnerships.
Furthermore, the convention featured interactive booths, keynote lectures, panel discussions, and cultural showcases. Discussions throughout the event focused on institutionalizing international partnerships and developing effective student mobility strategies to enhance global engagement.
As part of these discussions, Mr. Bueza delivered a presentation on “People, Place, and Purpose in Internationalizing Higher Education,” where he shared ADDU’s strategic internationalization framework. To further situate the discussion, he introduced the longstanding historical ties between the Philippines and Mexico. This connection, forged centuries ago during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, provides a powerful example of how cultural exchange and collaboration can transcend geographic and temporal boundaries.
In addition, Mr. Bueza then presented the importance of grounding internationalization efforts in people, place, and purpose while considering Mindanao’s historical, cultural, and socio-political realities. As a Jesuit institution, he noted that ADDU has embraced this approach by aligning its academic and outreach initiatives with the needs of Mindanao while also connecting these efforts to the global stage. Finally, he encouraged participants to reimagine internationalization not as an abstract concept but as a process that uplifts people, respects place, and serves a higher purpose.
Beyond academic discussions and networking sessions, the convention celebrated cultural diversity through city tours and cultural performances. On the last day, in his closing address, Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón’s President, Mtro. Juan Luis Hernández Avendaño asserted his institution’s commitment to internationalization and expressed gratitude to the international delegates for their contributions and engagement.
As Ateneo de Davao continues to champion strategic internationalization, the Global Citizenship Convention was a resounding success, bringing together academic institutions and promising a future of expanding global partnerships. ADDU extends its heartfelt gratitude to Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón for the opportunity to be part of this global initiative.
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