The University of Girona and the University of Perpignan Via Domitia, the only two in-person universities within the Catalan Cross-Border Region, have launched the UNIESCAT initiative to overcome the “border effect” that has limited engagement among their communities. This ambitious project seeks to create a permanent, shared structure to foster collaboration among their 28,000 students, faculty, and staff.
UNIESCAT will address regional challenges, such as water management and climate adaptation, through specialized cross-border working groups. The initiative also emphasizes intercultural understanding and interaction, aiming to produce 13 new resources, including guides for joint degree programs, a language partnership scheme, and cross-border research studies.
To build a stronger sense of community, UNIESCAT will organize both online and in-person events, such as academic workshops, cultural activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. By fostering a collaborative educational ecosystem, UNIESCAT aspires to position the Catalan Cross-Border Region as a model for cross-border cooperation.
