On 18th and 19th October, the debate “Universities as Frontline Responders” took place at the Camilo José Cela University in Madrid, Spain. The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and Open Society University Network were the hosts of this event that brought together 40 leaders and authorities from higher education institutions around the world. CLAYSS executive director, Enrique Ochoa, travelled to Madrid on behalf of CLAYSS to share different experiences of service-learning institutionalization in higher education.
During two days, there were presentations on experiences in war contexts, natural disasters and attending to vulnerable populations; the following institutions presented six notable cases: American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon, Ashesi University in Ghana, BRAC University in Bangladesh, American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan
. Additionally, opportunities for continued collaboration and systematization of social engagement and university extension programmes were analysed.