Excellence recognised at the 2026 Aurora Symposium on Global Citizenship
On 27 - 29 May 2026, educators, researchers, students, and professionals interested in global citizenship came together from across the Aurora network and beyond to exchange insights, best practices, and innovative ideas for advancing global citizenship in higher education and society.
The event provided a vibrant platform for collaboration, highlighting initiatives that contribute to more inclusive, engaged, and globally connected learning communities.
A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of several awards on the final day recognising outstanding contributions for posters, presentations, and workshops during the conference, as well as Community Service Learning initiatives.
Best Poster Award
The Best Poster Award was presented to Chiara Arreghini and Paolo D'Angelo from the University Federico II of Naples for their poster, The DIGISOC Master's Experience: A Laboratory for Experiential Learning in Global Citizenship.
Their work showcased innovative approaches to experiential learning and demonstrated how master's-level education can foster global citizenship competencies. Both awardees were present to receive the honour.
Best Presentation Award
The Best Presentation Award was awarded to Anna Bon, Cheah WaiShiang, Francis Saa-Dittoh, Auke Schuringa, Andre Baart, and Hans Akkermans for their presentation, Social and Community Development: The ICT4D Plug-in Principle.
Representing a collaboration between VU Amsterdam (the Netherlands), the University Malaysia Sarawak (Malaysia), and the University for Development Studies (Ghana), the team highlighted the potential of information and communication technologies to support social and community development. Cheah WaiShiang from the University Malaysia Sarawak accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Best Workshop Award
The Best Workshop Award went to Jaro Pichel, Karya Odabasi, and Frederique Demeijer of VU Amsterdam for their workshop, Social Presencing Theatre for Making Systems Felt: Global Citizenship Education through 4D Mapping.
The workshop introduced participants to innovative and participatory methods for understanding complex systems and strengthening global citizenship education. Frederique Demeijer accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Community Service Learning Awards
The event also celebrated outstanding achievements in Community Service Learning (CSL), recognising individuals and teams from across VU Amsterdam's faculties:
- Maiza Campos Ponce – BETA (Health Sciences)
- Ella Hafermalz and Christer Guldemond – School of Business and Economics (International Business Administration)
- Joram Pach and Arjen de Wit – Faculty of Social Sciences
These awards acknowledge the recipients’ dedication to integrating academic learning with meaningful societal engagement, reinforcing the role of higher education in addressing real-world challenges.
Through the recognition of these exceptional projects and collaborations, the event underscored the importance of innovation, partnership, and community engagement in advancing global citizenship education. The award-winning contributions serve as inspiring examples of how universities and their partners can create positive impact locally and globally.
