In what was one of the most intense yet exhilarating weeks for the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU Alliance), the University of Malta hosted a jam-packed SEA-EU Governing Week at its picturesque Valletta Campus, where nearly 100 representatives from 9 partner universities gathered to shape the future of the Alliance.

SEA-EU was born from an ambitious vision proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron: to create "European Universities" - networks of institutions collaborating across borders to pool resources and create larger, more robust educational communities. SEA-EU continues to build bridges across Europe, combining resources, fostering innovation, and strengthening its collective impact - all while staying rooted in the unique identities of its nine member universities.

Having taken place between Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 November, the SEA-EU Governing Week consisted of a number of meetings. The first day was packed with meetings involving various bodies contributing to the alliance, including the Quality and Ethics Committee, the Technical Working Group, and the Councils supporting SEA-EU activities: the Cities Council, Ports Council, Students Council, and Stakeholders Group. Additionally, two workshops were held: one titled "SDG14 Beyond 2030: Charting a Course for Sustainable Coastal and Marine Ecosystems", and another on "Talents in University Cities."

Wednesday was dedicated to the Rectors' meeting and Executive Committee meeting. During the latter, the participants discussed current challenges and potential solutions. Topics included the development of joint programmes, fostering inclusive communication, and exploring opportunities for future research collaborations.

The final day centered on the Governing Board proceedings, during which rectors, vice-rectors, and representatives from the Alliance's governing bodies deliberated on SEA-EU’s strategic vision for the future. Key UM staff members participating within this slew of meetings included Prof. Alan Deidun, Rector’s Delegate at the UM for SEA-EU, Pro-Rector for Internationalisation Prof. Frank Bezzina, Pro-Rector for Sustainability Prof. Valerie Sollars, Director of Legal Services Dr Angele Chetcuti, the Academic Registrar, Dr Colin Borg, Director of Finance Mr Mark Debono, the Administrative Director of the Research Support Services, Dr Christian Bonnici, the Head of Information and Data Protection Unit, Dr Luisa Spiteri Baluci, the Deputy Director of the International Office Ms Victoria Gauci, Dr Lisa Pace and Prof. Leonie Baldacchino from the Edward De Bono Institute and Senior Manager at the UM’s SEA-EU Office Ms Maria Calleja. The UM’s Conference Unit was instrumental in ensuring the smooth proceeding, in parallel, of the numerous high-profile meetings taking place as part of the governing week. 

A number of ancillary events were also organised for those hosted on our beautiful island, offering a perfect opportunity to #exploreMalta. These events included a Welcome Ceremony for the SEA-EU Governing Week and the launch of a technology-rich exhibition about the maritime sector, titled DiveIn, at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, as well as a tour of key landmarks in our capital city, Valletta. Additionally, participants enjoyed an intimate concert by members of the University’s Department of Music Studies and attended a photo exhibition showcasing works by SEA-EU students and staff. The event concluded with a Maltese Knights show and a dinner in Mdina.

The culmination of the week, however, was the passing of the baton by UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, who has for the past six months, presided over the Alliance, to Kiel University Vice President, Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider. 

The SEA-EU employs a rotating governance model, with leadership changing every six months. This system enables members to address key topics collaboratively and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and shared decision-making.

UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella remarked that 'Through this union of networks, European Universities stand to learn a lot  from the experiences gained through their collaborations'.

 SEA-EU Governing Week was supported by Visit Malta, the Ministry of Finance, and the Malta Financial Services Authority.