UNICA’s President, Prof. Sorin Costreie, calls for a new illuminism on the network’s 35th Anniversary – read the full commemorative message
24 January 2025 | From UNICA
Dear members of the UNICA Community,
Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,
Today is a day of celebration: UNICA commemorates 35 years since its foundation! What a wonderful feat that invites us to reflect on our shared journey and renew our vision for the future. It all started with a small group of 15 institutions in the heart of Europe, building on their distinctive features of location and value. From the need for networking and cooperating to the vision of becoming a driving force in the development of the European Higher Education and Research Areas, today UNICA unites 54 universities from the westernmost to the easternmost capitals of Europe!
But, most importantly, this milestone is a celebration of the true capital that drives our success: the human capital, or rather, the UNICA community. For three decades and a half, people have been fuel of collaboration and innovation. Fearless university leaders, dedicated staff members of the most varied areas, inspiring students, and trusted partners are the ones that transform ideas into action, challenges into opportunities, a network into a community. To everyone who has been part of UNICA’s journey, past or present, I extend my deepest gratitude.
The theme of our 35th anniversary, “35 Years of Building Bridges Across European Capitals”, captures the spirit of our achievements while propelling us forward. Throughout the year, we will celebrate our history, but more importantly, we will look ahead — continuing to strengthen our partnerships, empower our communities, and champion the values that unite us.
Under the umbrella of our commemoration, we will host two important events: the UNICA Days in Brussels, on 26-28 February, and the UNICA Rectors’ Seminar, taking place in Athens in the context of our General Assembly, on 18-20 June. We warmly invite the entire UNICA community to participate, contributing ideas that resonate with Europe’s current challenges. In a time marked by the rise of new obscurantism, we must champion reason, truth, and science. A renewed commitment to illuminism is essential, and UNICA is ready to lead the way.
Join us in this year-long celebration! Whether through your participation in our events, contributions to our initiatives, or reflections on how UNICA has impacted your institution, your involvement will make this milestone truly meaningful. Together, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and envision a bold and collaborative future for UNICA and its members.
Wishing you all a successful and inspiring start to 2025!
With warm regards,
Sorin Costreie
President of UNICA
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.