The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) and the University of Meaning / Universidad del Sentido — an international university operating under the authority of the Vatican State — signed a new cooperation agreement on Wednesday. This partnership establishes a new master’s program that promotes the core values embraced by Pope Francis and further supported by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by SNSPA, the document was signed at the Vatican by Professor Remus Pricopie, Rector of SNSPA, Professor Iordan Gh. Bărbulescu, President of the SNSPA Senate, alongside Jose Maria del Corral, President of Scholas Occurrentes, and Enrique Palmeyro, Director of the Pontifical Educational Network Scholas Occurrentes.

“As part of this new partnership, the two institutions will jointly launch the international master’s program ‘Global Leadership and Sustainable Development.’ The main objective of this program is to train moral and responsible leaders capable of contributing to the building of a fair and sustainable international community, focused on peace and sustainable development,” SNSPA stated.

The master’s program will be coordinated by the Department of International Relations and European Integration within SNSPA and will adhere to the quality standards set by the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS), recognized at both European and international levels.

Courses will be taught by both Romanian and international professors, as well as experts in fields such as economics, diplomacy, defense, public administration, and international relations.

“The program will run over four semesters, one of which will be dedicated to practical activities, through internships in public institutions, NGOs, and foundations. Teaching activities will take place both in Bucharest and at the Vatican, using modern teaching methods — in-person, hybrid, and online — supplemented by access to a digital library and interactive sessions,” the institution added.

According to its representatives, the new master’s program promotes the fundamental values championed by Pope Francis, the founder of the University of Meaning / Universidad del Sentido — human dignity, solidarity, respect, and care for others — values reaffirmed and further supported by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, within an educational vision centered on peace, social justice, and the common good.

“Moreover, the program reflects the principles enshrined in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union, offering a truly European and global education rooted in moral responsibility and civic engagement. Additionally, at SNSPA’s initiative, the agreement includes the development of an academic study dedicated to the importance of peace in international life,” SNSPA officials said.

The study will be conducted by a joint research team from SNSPA and the University of Meaning and will analyze the cognitive blockages that fuel international conflicts, proposing non-military solutions.

“This initiative will contribute to promoting a vision focused on dialogue, cooperation, and the rebuilding of mutual trust. The signing of this new agreement continues the collaboration that began in 2019 between SNSPA and Scholas Occurrentes, through the opening of the first Regional Scholas Occurrentes Center in Eastern Europe, inaugurated by Pope Francis via videoconference,” the press release also noted.

In 2020, SNSPA also became the headquarters of the first European center of the University of Meaning. In 2024, during the International Congress of Scholas Chairs, Pope Francis presented the SNSPA community with the Olive Tree of Peace, a symbol of solidarity and hope.

 Written by News.ro |  4 iunie 2025, 13:37