Bethlehem University strengthened its international partnership with Uniservitate through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a meeting of university rectors and officials hosted by LUMSA University in Rome.

Dr. Iman Saca, vice president for academic affairs, accompanied by Ms. Paola Handal, co-director of the academic innovation hub and service-learning coordinator, signed the agreement on behalf of Bethlehem University.

The MoU represents an important step toward deepening international collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the continued institutionalization of service-learning in higher education. It also opens opportunities for future joint initiatives, capacity-building, and the sharing of good practices among participating institutions, reinforcing Bethlehem University’s commitment to integrating academic learning, community engagement, and social responsibility into its educational mission.

The signing took place in the context of the VII Uniservitate Global Symposium, held October 26-27, 2026, at the Focolare Movement’s Mariapolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, under the theme “Designing Maps of Hope through Service-Learning.” The international gathering brought together representatives of Catholic and Lasallian higher education institutions from around the world to explore the role of service-learning in building more just, inclusive, and hopeful communities.