"We will not compromise on internationalisation"
The phrase “We will not compromise on internationalisation” emerged as a recurring message throughout the forum. It captured the prevailing sentiment among many participants: international cooperation is more vital now than ever.
The annual gathering took place at a time when internationalisation in higher education is increasingly being viewed through the lenses of responsibility, security, and values. These themes were also strongly present in the vivid conversations.
In her opening speech, University of Helsinki Rector Sari Lindblom highlighted the themes of change, agency, and hope—messages that deeply resonated throughout the Spring Forum.
She encouraged participants to recognise their own agency, regardless of their role or position:
“Your work has become more difficult, but also more essential. […] You are catalysts for change.”
On the topic of hope, she pointed out that although young people’s faith in the future appears to be declining according to studies, higher education plays a key role as a producer of knowledge and a builder of society:
“Investing in higher education is an investment in hope.”
Support for Ukrainian higher education and future needs
Powerful contributions from Ukraine added depth and perspective to the Spring Forum. Experts on Ukrainian higher education shared insights on the current state and the the future needs of Ukraine’s higher education sector.
Larysa Chovnyuk, Head of International Office at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, described how universities are operating amid war and underscored the importance of international cooperation.
Her message to Finnish higher education institutions was clear: cooperation must be concrete and structured in a way that facilitates the return of experts to Ukraine, prevents brain drain, and supports the reconstruction of both higher education and broader society.
At the same time, it is essential to ensure that Ukrainian experts remain active in international networks, where their experience and knowledge of resilience in crisis situations are invaluable.
The discussions emphasised that this is not about one-sided aid but rather about equal and long-term partnership. The future and reconstruction of Ukrainian higher education are being built together—and cooperation with Ukrainian partners is viewed as crucial for the future of all Europe.
Shaping the vision for higher education
Kevätpäivät päättyivät Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriön ylijohtaja Sirkku Linnan puheenvuoroon, jossa katse suunnattiin korkeakoulutuksen ja tutkimuksen tulevaisuuteen. Ministeriö on käynnistänyt visiotyön, jonka tavoitteena on määrittää alan pitkän aikavälin suunta vuoteen 2040.
Ylijohtaja Linna kehotti yleisöä pysähtymään sen äärelle, kuinka paljon maailma on muuttunut vuodesta 2017 – ajasta, jolloin nykyinen visio vuoteen 2030 laadittiin.
Käynnissä olevan työn tavoitteena on tunnistaa ne toimenpiteet, joilla korkeakoulutuksen ja tutkimuksen tulevaisuuden tavoitteet voidaan saavuttaa muuttuvassa toimintaympäristössä.
"Vuosi 2040 voi tuntua kaukaiselta, mutta etsimme kestäviä ratkaisuja – emme nopeita korjauksia," Linna muistutti.
Spring Forum 2026 invites to Kotka
Discussions on the development of higher education and international cooperation will continue in the years to come.
In 2026, the dialogue will continue by the sea in Kotka, where South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), together with the Erasmus+ European Universities alliance INGENIUM, will host the Spring Forum.
Once again, participants can expect timely topics, collegial encounters, and fresh perspectives on international collaboration. We hope to see you there!