Partner Days 2026: Nordic resilience and European Identity - Building Responsible Partnerships in a Changing World
University of Vaasa
Wolffintie 32
65200 Vaasa
Finland
The programme also includes elements of Nordic recreation, offering participants the opportunity to experience the values that underpin Nordic resilience: balance, trust, community, and connection to nature. Informal networking in a relaxed setting will create space for meaningful conversations and future collaboration. Through lectures, workshops and interactive discussions, you’ll gain tools and perspectives to develop resilient, forward-looking partnerships.
We will also host a dedicated Nordlys track, where we invite our Nordic colleagues within the Nordlys network to map out our strengths and shared perspectives within the topics explored throughout the programme. Additionally, we will explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The event is open for colleagues from partner universities, including international office staff and academic personnel involved in creating partnerships. Please sign up by 15 August 2026.
Programme
Wednesday 7.10.2026
Venue: University of Vaasa campus, room D304
| 11:30–12:30 | Welcome session and presentation of the University of Vaasa Martin Meyer, Vice-rector for international affairs |
| 12:30–13.30 | Lunch |
| 13:30–14:30 | Responsible Internationalisation |
| 14:30–15:15 | Campus tour |
| 15:30–16:30 | Session 1: Erasmus+ values and goals (session for Partner Days participants, room D304) An interactive panel discussion that explores how the Erasmus+ programme fosters European identity, shared values, and resilience through international collaboration and mobility. Students and administrative staff will reflect on the personal and professional impact of Erasmus+ experiences and the programme’s role in shaping perspectives, careers, and communities. |
Session 2: A Nordlys Partner Day Dialogue – What Makes Nordlys Unique and How Do We Sustain It (session for Nordlys participants, room D103) Exploring the role of Nordic universities in strengthening societal resilience and togetherness. Reflecting on Nordlys' unique value discussing how we can sustain and strengthen the network in the future. Heidi Säävuori, Chair of the Nordlys Reference group, University of Helsinki | |
| 18:30–20:30 | Dinner in the city centre |
Thursday 8.10.2026
Venue: Kalle’s In resort, Korsholm archipelago
| 8:30–9:45 | Bus ride from the city centre to Kalle’s Inn Resort with guided sightseeing and information about the nearby area. |
| 10:00–11:30 | Resilience in a Nordic context Ville-Pekka Niskanen, Sc. (Admin.), Postdoctoral Researcher in Social and Healthcare Management |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–14:00 | Building partnerships in a polarised world Anne Ahlqvist, Education Specialist |
| 14:00–15:30 | Session 1: Workshop – Successful Double degree programmes (session for Partner Days participants) Anne Ahlqvist, Education Specialist |
Session 2: Nordlys Collaboration: From Ideas to Action (session for Nordlys participants) Mapping ongoing projects across partner institutions. Mapping complementary strengths in research and education. Defining key areas for future collaboration. Ideas for joint projects and funding opportunities, opportunities for co-teaching, joint courses, and student exchanges. | |
| 16:00–18:00 | Evening programme with focus on Nordic recreation. Option 1: Traditional sauna. Option 2: Nature walk exploring the outer archipelago. |
| 18:00–20:00 | Dinner |
| 20:00–20:45 | Bus back to the city centre |
Friday 9.10.2026
Venue: University of Vaasa campus, room D304
| 9:00–10:30 | Keynote talk: The Power of Trust – Social Capital, Happiness and Hope in Society. Petri Uusikylä, Research Director of the Preparedness & Resilience Research Platform |
| 11:00–12:00 | Wrap up session. Reflecting together on what will we take with us from these days and how to implement it in our everyday work. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
More detailed information about the programme will be published in the autumn.
Additional programme
There is a possibility to meet University of Vaasa staff members for personal meetings on Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon. Please let us know when signing up for the event, if you would like to meet our staff.
Travel & accommodation
Vaasa can be reached using different means of transportation. There are daily flights from Helsinki and Stockholm, and a daily ferry from Umeå (Sweden). Long distance trains and buses are available from major cities in Finland.
Many convenient accommodations are available in Vaasa in the city centre, not far from the university campus. Accommodation arrangement is on each participant’s responsibility, and we warmly invite you to book your hotel in advance. After signing up, you will receive more information to support your travel plans, including our recommendation of hotels offering special room rates for the Partner Days 2026 participants.
More information
You are welcome to get to know the University of Vaasa through our webpage. You can read more about the city of Vaasa here. and familiarise yourself with our event destination Kalle’s Inn Resort through their webpage.
The Partner Days 2026 event is hosted by the International Services of The University of Vaasa. Should you have any questions about the event, you are welcome to contact us on incoming.international@uwasa.fi or +358 29 4498663.
We look forward to welcoming You in Vaasa!