‘Unlocking Transformational Value’: UNIC working conference at University of Deusto, Bilbao

21 Nov 2025

A delegation of 15 participants from UCC and Cork City Council contributed to the UNIC working conference at the University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain, on 4-5 November 2025.

The theme of the conference focused on reviewing work in UNIC so far and reflecting on how to foster and enhance co-operation into the future. 

The conference included some important discussions on the strategic progress of UNIC by Prof. Ursula Kilkelly (Vice-President Global Engagement) and Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law (Associate Vice-President, Director of European Relations and Public Affairs).

Furthermore, the Cork delegation participated in the conference by presenting and contributing across a range of themes from city engagement, to joint programmes, communities of practice, external research funding, student voice, multilateral Erasmus+ mobility, artistic thinking, and teaching innovation.

Dr Jean van Sinderen-Law - Director of UNIC at UCC and Associate Vice President, Director of European Relations and Public Affairs - commented, "It was a privilege to take part in the latest UNIC operational conference at the University of Deusto, Bilbao, with UCC colleagues. The rich discussions and constructive work of the conference ensure that our alliance is firmly on a path of continued success. I very much look forward to next year's operational conference which we will host at University College Cork during Ireland's 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union."