In October 2025, APRU’s Chief Executive, Thomas Schneider and David Quimbayo, Program Manager, embarked on a visit to Chile, a nation whose poetic soul is eternally linked to Pablo Neruda. The voyage of a diplomat-poet who understood that discovery is not just about crossing oceans, but about bridging worlds, served as a powerful inspiration for the visit. Neruda’s work stands as “at once a chronicle of tumultuous times and the intimate diary of a nomad,” a journey that mirrors the modern university’s own “voyage of awakening to the responsibility of the intellectual to society and to history.” Guided by this spirit, APRU reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships in Latin America, focusing on deep collaboration and shared purpose.
Charting New Collaborations at Universidad de Concepción
The visit commenced on October 9 at Universidad de Concepción, where APRU Chief Executive Thomas Schneider and Program Manager David Quimbayo engaged in a series of high-level strategic meetings. After an official welcome from Rector Carlos Saavedra and his vice presidents, discussions with the Vice Presidency of Research and the International Affairs Office focused on internationalization and student mobility.
A dedicated session on research and innovation with the directors of the university’s research centres proved highly productive, with both parties sharing key initiatives and identifying fertile ground for joint research projects. The delegation also gained a deeper appreciation for the university’s cultural heritage through a guided tour of the Pinacoteca Art Gallery, home to its iconic Mexican-Chilean mural. The conversations consistently returned to shared priorities, with a strong focus on enhancing global citizenship programs, expanding Indigenous Knowledge networks, and advancing Women in Leadership initiatives.
the mural Presencia de América Latina (Presence of Latin America) by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarena
Addressing Global Challenges at Universidad de Chile
The visit to Chile began earlier, on October 7, at Universidad de Chile, where APRU participated in the university’s International Week. Before a packed auditorium of faculty, students, and international delegates, Prof Thomas Schneider delivered a keynote address titled, “The Role of International University Networks in Addressing Global Challenges in Times of Geopolitical Turbulence.”
The speech set the stage for a productive follow-up meeting with Rector Rosa Devés and her senior leadership team. Building on the momentum, they laid concrete plans for future collaboration, with a particular focus on the upcoming Indigenous Knowledges Summit scheduled for 2026. The day concluded with a networking dinner, fostering deeper connections among academic leaders.
Amplifying the Message: APRU as a Catalyst for Change
The themes of the Chile visit were echoed in a commentary piece by Thomas Schneider published in University World News. In his opinion piece, “Transnational HE Networks Can be Catalysts of Change,” he elaborated on the unique role of consortia like APRU, describing them as “meta-universities” that amplify knowledge creation, enhance multilateral diplomacy, and build value-based global communities. This vision underscores APRU’s crucial work in fostering justice, dignity, and resilience worldwide.
The visit to Chile successfully strengthened the foundation of APRU’s partnerships in the region, setting a clear and ambitious agenda for collective action in the years to come—a true continuation of the intellectual and humanitarian voyage that defines both Neruda’s legacy and the mission of global higher education.