The IAJU (International Association of Jesuit Universities) International Education Conference took place at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, from 26 to 28 February. This marked the third IAJU International Education Conference, following earlier gatherings in 2019 at IBERO Puebla University in Puebla, Mexico, and in 2022 at Universidad Loyola Andalucía in Seville, Spain.
The conference in Tokyo was attended by representatives from 44 Jesuit universities and institutions, along with 77 Jesuit and lay participants. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities-Asia Pacific (AJCU-AP) was represented by Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Ateneo de Naga University (Philippines), Fu Jen Catholic University (Taiwan), Sanata Dharma University (Indonesia), Sogang University (Korea), Sophia University (Japan), The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies (China), Xavier Learning Community (Thailand), and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Philippines).
Addressing the theme of the conference, “Global Horizons: Challenges and Opportunities for the Internationalisation of Jesuit Higher Education,” Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ emphasised the importance of preparing students from Jesuit institutions for global citizenship. In his address at the 2018 Jesuit assembly in Deusto, Spain, he highlighted the profound connection between global citizenship and cultural diversity, noting that the latter is an essential aspect of a fully realised human life. Thus, embracing responsible membership in a multicultural global community provides a valuable opportunity to enrich human life, and consequently, humanity.
The conference at Sophia University brought together educators and administrators to discuss and share ideas on innovative practices for the internationalisation of education in Jesuit schools worldwide, including those in both developed and developing countries. Key lectures covered a variety of topics, including: the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs), social justice and service to others, the history of Jesuit education in Japan and the internationalisation of its higher education, e-learning and the internationalisation of universities in regions with limited global exposure, and the Magis Exchange Program.
Fr Joseph Christie SJ, Secretary for Jesuit Higher Education, delivered the keynote address on the UAPs, describing them as “vital orientations” intended to guide all apostolates over the next 10 years. The UAPs focus on raising awareness, inspiring the spirit, and encouraging engagement in response to global issues, such as materialism, poverty, youth alienation, and environmental concerns. Incorporating the UAPs into Jesuit global education and mission while also implementing them within each Jesuit school and community presents both challenges and opportunities for participants.
In his keynote lecture on Social Justice and Service to Others, Fr Roberto Yap SJ, AJCU-AP and Ateneo de Manila University president, explained the four characteristics of Jesuit higher education: Utilitas (Practical), Justitia (Justice), Humanitas (Humanistic), and Fides (Religious). In Justitia, he emphasised social justice and service to others as an essential mission of a Jesuit university. Global education encourages students to engage in critical thinking about global politics, economics, and culture, as well as their interaction in shaping societies worldwide.
It also offers students intercultural experiences and the opportunity to learn from fellow international students hailing from diverse cultures and social backgrounds. This intercultural exchange should foster respect and mutual understanding among students that may lead to cultivating a sense of social responsibility and compassion for others, especially for those who have less in life across international borders.
As a global network of Jesuit learning institutions, we face a stark reality. There is a significant economic divide between nations with extensive global exposure and those in developing areas that have limited opportunities. Internationalisation is a critical development that must not leave any nation behind; thus, part of global education involves addressing and ideally closing this gap.
During the panel discussion, several suggestions were put forward to tackle this issue. Key proposals included strengthening digital infrastructure and improving access to online learning, fostering international partnerships between schools, and securing subsidy funding from governments, international organisations, and affluent educational institutions. The challenges we face are substantial, and addressing them requires genuine commitment from both sides of the economic divide.
The IAJU International Education Conference was successful in fostering engaging discussions and proposed actions during both plenary and small group meetings among the international participants. These presentations and discussions aimed to advance the internationalisation of Jesuit higher education. It is hoped that regional associations and their member learning institutions will continue these conversations to develop more concrete resolutions and actions.
Mars P Tan SJ is the President of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.