“Global challenges present opportunities, and to fully seize them today, we need a multilateral, open, inclusive, and sustainable trading system that protects the global commons—from public health to the climate and the oceans—while creating new value chains to combat the pandemic and reduce inequalities.” These are the trajectories outlined by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at Luiss Guido Carli University during the opening ceremony for the 2021-2022 academic year, held today, Friday, October 29, in the Aula Magna on the Viale Pola campus.

In her keynote address, “Serving the Global Commons: the role of trade in post-covid recovery and pre-pandemic preparedness,” the Director-General of the World Trade Organization called for greater awareness of the role that individuals and international organizations must play, including ensuring more equitable access to vaccines and medical care for developing countries, and providing greater resources for global progress during this phase of post-pandemic reconstruction and recovery. Luiss has awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Politics to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African woman to lead the WTO, because she stands as an inspiring example of individual talent, merit, and vision for young men and women, especially those studying to become leaders in the world of international relations.

“It is precisely on these values that Luiss bases its mission as an open, connected, and inclusive university, aiming to shape a generation of responsible and cosmopolitan young people through new learning models and the effective use of new technologies. A university where students are encouraged to ask questions and shift their perspectives on reality, thanks to the extraordinary work of a faculty of 1,449 professors from 15 different countries. An institution that aims to foster social mobility, attract international talent, and develop innovative projects,” stated Director General Giovanni Lo Storto in his opening remarks.

In his speech, Rector Andrea Prencipe stated: “The pandemic has allowed us to appreciate the limits and potential of digital technology. Hence the strategy of integrating technologies to “augment” the Luiss educational experience, with the launch of two fully digital, On-Live master’s degrees for international students planned for 2022/23. Indeed, our mission recognizes the universal value of education as a driving force for the development of the world’s populations.” In closing, the University’s Rector thanked Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her presence. He noted that “throughout her extraordinary career, she has demonstrated a strong dedication to education, creating, among many other projects, the International Finance Facility for Education, a financial instrument for the global education of children, particularly aimed at low- and middle-income countries.”

During this post-pandemic year, Luiss saw a new record in admissions applications, with a 23% increase for Bachelor’s and Single-Cycle degree programs compared to the previous year (with a 35% increase in applications from international students), and a 10% increase for Master’s degree programs. The University continues to grow in the areas of study, research, and skills acquisition, increasingly establishing itself as a point of reference for a large community with strong ties to the world of work. In fact, the employment rate of graduates one year after graduation remains at 94%, with peaks of 97% for the Department of Economics and Finance. Luiss also continues to strengthen its international presence, with a student body representing 85 nationalities, a welcoming approach to young academics, and a steady rise in international rankings.

At the same time, the University continues to strengthen its network of relationships with over 310 partner universities in 64 countries, as well as 55 dual-degree programs and structured partnerships, enabling approximately 1,400 students to study abroad each year.

But that’s not all, as there’s a growing focus on merit and scholarships, with inclusion and training projects both in Italy and for young people from disadvantaged areas in Africa and war zones.

“Internationalization, Interdisciplinarity, and Innovation: these are the three 'Is' of our educational model, the guiding principles that shape our strategic vision. To these, we add a fourth: “Inclusion,” which means opening up to others, to diversity, and to new ideas,” stated University President Vincenzo Boccia. He continued: “ Today, to contribute to Italy’s recovery, development, and economic growth, Luiss is positioning itself as an educational hub connecting Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa. Through investment in multicultural and transnational educational projects, we are building a bridge of opportunity between countries that, thanks in part to digital technology, will prepare responsible leaders for the future and open the door to a new form of cultural diplomacy.”