9th April 2024 – Kicking Off the 2025 AGM in Valencia: Highlighting the University of Valencia’s Commitment to International Collaboration

Carlos Pomer – University od Valencia

The 2025 General Annual Meeting of the Utrecht Network officially opens today in Valencia, bringing together representatives from member universities across Europe and beyond. As the host institution, the University of Valencia takes the spotlight—not only for welcoming the network this year, but also for its long-standing and active involvement within it.

“We joined the Utrecht Network ten years ago to broaden our international partnerships,” says Carlos Pomer, Head of the International Office. “It was one of the most emblematic and prestigious university networks, and we were proud to become a part of it.”

Since then, the University of Valencia has become a key player in many of the network’s initiatives. One of its most significant contributions has been through the Summer School Task Force, where the university has taken a leading role. “We started with very little experience in this area,” Pomer recalls, “but organizing summer schools helped us grow and eventually led to new programmes like Blended Intensive Programmes and other short-term mobilities.”

Hosting the AGM in 2025 is more than just a logistical effort—it’s a statement of commitment to international engagement. “We were very keen to organize this meeting so our partners could get to know our university and our city more deeply,” Pomer explains. “Valencia has a lot to offer, and we see this as an opportunity to strengthen ties and explore new collaborations.”

For Pomer and his team, the experience gained through the Utrecht Network has had a lasting impact. “Before joining, we didn’t have much experience with collaborative international projects. The network taught us how to work together—on staff weeks, joint programmes, and other shared initiatives,” he says. “That foundation prepared us to take part in the European University Alliances, which came later. For me personally, the Utrecht Network was the best training ground I could ask for.”

Carlos Pomer and Amparo Villén – University of Valencia

The influence of the network also extends beyond the central office. “Some of my colleagues have become involved in specific activities within the network,” he adds. “It’s opened their minds to new ways of working and thinking internationally.”

As the AGM gets underway, the University of Valencia not only hosts, but also embodies the values at the heart of the Utrecht Network: openness, cooperation, and a shared vision for a more connected academic future.