On 1–2 April 2025, Matej Bel University (UMB) in Banská Bystrica had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the University of Inland Norway, a key academic partner within the EMERGE Alliance. This visit represented a significant step forward in the collaborative development of an international Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) degree programme.
The discussions held during the visit built upon momentum from an earlier meeting in January with representatives from Europa-Universität Flensburg in Germany. These three universities—UMB, Flensburg, and Inland Norway—are working jointly to design a forward-looking and globally relevant interdisciplinary study programme that responds to today’s pressing societal challenges by integrating the disciplines of philosophy, political science, and economics.
The Norwegian delegation included Gunnar Klinge, Anstein Gregersen, Cathinka Vik, and Andreas Brekke Carlsson. In a show of continued support and collaboration, Prof. Ulrich Glassmann and Dr. Thomas Duttle from Europa-Universität Flensburg also joined the working sessions remotely.
This vibrant cooperation underscores the shared commitment to academic innovation and cross-border education within the EMERGE Alliance. The development of the PPE programme is progressing dynamically and serves as a model of how international academic partnerships can produce high-quality, future-focused educational opportunities.
Together, the three institutions are shaping an interdisciplinary, international curriculum that promises to empower the next generation of students to critically engage with complex global issues.