Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) will host the first Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU) Summer School: "A New World Order: The Way Ahead between Democracy and Authoritarian Challenges," from July 1st to July 14th, 2024, in Lisbon.

16 students from Australian Catholic University, Boston College, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Sophia University, UCP, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and Universitat Ramon Llull will come together for this summer school to debate the challenges threatening the stability and deemed desirability of 'liberal democracy' in an increasingly interconnected, competitive and complex global order.

Featuring the presence of UCP's President, Isabel Capeloa Gil, the Summer School includes lectures by international experts such as Tetsuo Morishita, professor at Sophia University, Japan, and Raúl Caruso, professor at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, networking sessions and workshops, as well as a rich cultural programme.

"Many of the challenges currently threatening the stability of democratic societies are global - both in nature and impact. That is why initiatives like SACRU Summer School bring immense value: it allows experts and students from all over the world to come together and share unique experiences, offer different perspectives and propose innovative solutions, while immersing themselves in a program that promotes scientific curiosity and generous communication. It is a true honor for the University Católica Portuguesa to host this inaugural program in Lisbon and contribute to the revitalization of democratic political thought», highlights Mónica Dias, Director of the Institute for Political Studies at UCP.

Hence, the programme refletcs "SACRU's commitment to engaging the young generation worldwide. It will be an opportunity for them to feel part of a global network and build strong ties with one another." states SACRU Secretary General and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Vice-Rector, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli.

Aiming to debate on the definition, development, interaction of 'liberal democracy' and what principles should guide a possible 'liberal democratic" revival, this is a truly multidisciplinary programme, with participants from several backgrounds: Political Science, International Relations, Development and Cooperation, History, Philosophy, Law, Nursing, Languages, Business, and Psychology.

This integration of various disciplines enriches the learning experience, fosters a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues, and proves interdisciplinarity as one of SACRU's cornerstones.
 

Learn more about SACRU