The Annual Globalisation Forum at Wittenborg

The Globalisation Forum (3rd Edition) – International Week 2026

The Globalisation Forum is Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences' annual international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the challenges and opportunities shaping our globalised world. Now in its third edition, the Forum brings together academics, researchers, students, industry professionals, policy makers, and institutional leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. 

Taking place on 2–3 November 2026 in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, the Globalisation Forum features keynote speeches, panel discussions, research presentations, interactive workshops, student debates, and networking activities. The Forum forms the central academic programme of Wittenborg's International Week (2–6 November 2026) and connects with a wider programme of international collaboration, student project activities, and intercultural engagement taking place throughout the week.

The 2026 edition will welcome participants from partner universities, research projects, public institutions, and industry organisations. The programme will feature discussions on the future of higher education, quality assurance, artificial intelligence, sustainability, internationalisation, workforce development, global governance, and other contemporary issues shaping societies worldwide. 

Inspired by Wittenborg's research framework, the Forum encourages interdisciplinary exchange across ten thematic areas, including technology, trade, migration, sustainability, ethics, health, education, culture, and the future of work. Participants are invited not only to share research and professional practice, but also to contribute to wider discussions on how education, innovation, and international cooperation can support positive global change. 

The Globalisation Forum reflects Wittenborg's commitment to internationalisation, applied research, intercultural dialogue, and building meaningful partnerships that extend beyond borders. 

Forum Venue: Apenheul Conference Hall, Apeldoorn (2 Nov) & Wittenborg's Spoorstraat Campus (3 Nov)

Highlights: 

International Week & Erasmus+: The Forum is linked to Erasmus+ staff mobility and serves as a meeting point for Wittenborg's growing network of international partner universities. 

Student-Centred Learning: Alongside academic sessions, students participate in debate competitions, presentations, project activities, and intercultural learning experiences, supported by academics and professionals from around the world. 

Real-World Impact: The programme connects research, policy, industry practice, and education through discussions on AI, sustainability, lifelong learning, quality in higher education, XR technologies, workforce development, and international collaboration. 

What to Expect:

• Keynote speeches

• International panel discussions

• Research and paper presentations

• Interactive workshops

• Student debates and presentations

• Erasmus+ networking and mobility activities

• Research project dissemination events

• Intercultural and cultural exchange activities

• Partnership-building opportunities