International Standing Committee - Reports

International Standing Committee 18 January 2024

The opportunity was taken at our meeting on 18 January 2024 for the members of the International Standing Committee to continue discussion on the current review of the university’s Global Engagement Plan, which is looking forward to 2030 in line with Strategy 2030 and in tandem with other current reviews on Research and Innovation and Curriculum Transformation.

In November 2023 James Smith, the Vice Principal International, presented to us the context for the review of the current Global Engagement Plan and the revised plan in preparation focusses on the three pillars of Principles, People and Partnerships, accompanied by key priorities and action points for implementation. The consultation process within the university is still in progress and the General Council welcomes being able to play its part in this.

We will shortly be submitting our suggestions for the further development of the draft revised Plan. Unsurprisingly featuring among them, we will wish to see positive recognition of the potential for alumni globally to benefit from a lifelong association with the university and to be a continuing resource for the university, along with a clear commitment to develop this potential. 

An update was also given at our meeting of two examples of continuing development in the international field. The Confucius Institute is settling into new management under Edinburgh Global with the School of Literature, Languages and Culture providing curriculum support in association with Fudan University, Shanghai. And Education Beyond Borders has been extended to offer places to 30 students forcibly displaced owing to conflict, violence or persecution, together with an extension of the Fellowship Programme for academics at risk. Edinburgh is Scotland’s first University of Sanctuary and Edinburgh Global staff are to be congratulated on the intense effort required on this front in partnership with UNHCR and the Council for Academics at Risk.

Krystyna Szumelukowa

Convener

International Standing Committee