Open call Global Engagement

“Global engagement” was born out of  the interconnected SDGs, the climate crisis, changes in international power relationships and rising instability, increased international mobility and superdiversity in our societies, a challenging matrix for global cooperation struggling with a contested heritage of western supremacism, extractivism, and exploitation. These challenges call upon collaborative and diverse solutions. With this open call, the University of Antwerp invests in the students' inspiration and engagement.

We encourage proposals that bridge gaps between different perspectives and worldviews, and that enhance genuine debate, critical-constructive discussion and dialogue.  

The call pursues:​

• Stimulating global citizenship
• Advancing relevant thinking for the 21st Century
• Strengthening inclusion and interconnectedness in our university, society and worldwide
• Promoting international justice and solidarity with the Global South
• The core belief that a positive, Globally Engaged future and university is possible and necessary.

The list below gives some examples for illustrative purposes.

• Panel discussion, workshops, seminars, or guest lectures;
• Student/staff meetings (e.g. as interactive group discussions; as ‘brave space’ of specific groups; …);
• Workshops, activities, lectures that address systemic global challenges and reflection on its solutions;
• Film with debate;
• (International) student parliament meeting with students from the Global South;
• Artistic or cultural events with a Global Engagement message (e.g. student competition, art competition, ‘meet the artist’ encounter, guided museum visit, …);
• Project to improve representation within structures of the university;
• Fair trade breakfast
• …

​Themes that may be covered include:​

• (Reflecting about) solidarity with poor and excluded groups in the today’s world beyond ‘development cooperation’;
• How to strengthen mutually beneficial global cooperation (for climate, trade, poverty reduction, biodiversity, security, etc.) ?
• Promoting respectful, interconnected debate and knowledge exchanges, in our current age of polarization;
• Is there a colonial legacy and what is it about? Is it possible to overcome it and what does it require?
• Addressing the reality and consequences of and ways to overcome colonialism and coloniality within the curriculum (curriculum review, new authors, critical questions on Eurocentric content);
• Enhance pedagogical methodologies that nurture discussions and critical exchange between lecturer and student, create safe spaces allowing inter-vision and an open home for everyone at the university;
• Promotion of diverse students' inflow and outflow (“democratization of the university 2.0.”);
• Awareness raising and reflection about global injustices, power dynamics and privileges;
• Exchanges with international partners, or student bodies on systemic challenges and solutions;
• How to embrace diversity as an opportunity and strengthen anti-racism at the university?
• Promote and reflect about equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships with the Global South;
• Community outreach and service projects, preferably with the Global South;
• Well-being of international students;
• ..

You are enrolled as a student of University of Antwerp. You apply as an individual or as a representative of a student organisation/group of students.

• The proposal should build on the goals described in the GE Strategic framework​
• The proposal should include:
  • A clear description of the project, its objectives and expected outcomes
  • A budget proposal, a timeline and a plan for evaluation.

​A collaboration between various actors and disciplines within the University is encouraged.

Proposals are valued that are innovative, inclusive and involving multiple perspectives and voices about Global Engagement.

Staff members of University of Antwerp, including PhD-students on the payroll of UAntwerp, should make use of the open call for staff.

For all official communication, published materials etc. please use the VLIRUOS logo and mention: This project was made possible through Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.​ 

Selected proposals can count on support of maximum 3.000 euros, which should be used to cover operational expenses of the activity, like transport costs, printing costs, remunerations for invited speakers (max 150 euros), etc. Will not be accepted: remunerations for organisers, salaries, scholarship costs, gifts without clear relevance, investment costs/durable goods like ICT equipment, alcoholic beverages and costs already covered by another financier. All costs must be identifiable and verifiable and must have a piece of evidence.

All costs must comply with the VLIRUOS financial framework. Under no circumstances can ineligible costs, as defined by this framework, be financed.

Before applying, you can demand feedback and make use of coaching to improve your application. Make sure to do this well on time by addressing globalengagement@uantwerpen.be    

The juries will meet on 5 September, 10 October, 14 November and 12 December 2025 (changes to the calendar are possible). To be assigned to a specific jury meeting, you must submit your application at least five working days in advance. In case of an overloaded agenda, the jury may have to consider your application at a later date. 

We look forward to receiving your proposals and to working together to create a more relevant, critical and engaged university!

​This project was made possible by Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.​