Bethlehem University was proudly represented at the International Lasallian University Leadership Program (ILULP) in Rome by Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Ms. Paola Handal and Ms. Tina Hazboun, Co-Directors of the Academic Innovation Hub. The two-week program brought together 47 leaders from 23 Lasallian institutions across seven countries for an intensive leadership formation experience focused on the future of Catholic and Lasallian higher education.

The program explored the foundations of Lasallian identity, emphasizing leadership rooted in faith, compassion, inclusion, and service. Participants engaged in discussions on the life and legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the future of Catholic and Lasallian higher education, and the importance of educating the whole person through the integration of intellect, values, and action.

The program also focused on leadership, innovation, trends in higher education, sustainability, and global engagement. Sessions addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, higher education’s responsibility in responding to social and environmental challenges, service learning as a transformative educational approach, and the opportunities and ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. 

Throughout the program, participants explored how their universities can remain faithful to their mission while adapting to rapid technological and societal change, strengthening their role as agents of hope, justice, and social transformation. The program further fostered intercultural understanding through country-led social events that celebrated the diversity of the global Lasallian network. Each delegation shared elements of its culture, traditions, cuisine, and music, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and dialogue.

Additionally, the program emphasized collaboration and international partnership-building as one of its central objectives. Universities showcased their innovative practices and signature programs through poster presentations, with the Bethlehem University team proudly presenting the University’s distinctive mission and initiatives. 

Beyond sharing best practices, the program provided valuable opportunities to build meaningful relationships across the global Lasallian network. As a result, they returned with several tangible partnership opportunities involving various academic and administrative units. In addition, the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs met to explore collaborative initiatives among institutions, reinforcing the program’s success in fostering concrete partnerships that will benefit the University and strengthen the global Lasallian mission. 

One of the special highlights of the program was the participation in a Papal Audience which marked a significant affirmation of the group’s work, highlighting the importance of its contribution to the Church’s educational mission and its ongoing efforts to respond to the challenges facing society and higher education today. 

Another highlight was a meeting at the Vatican with Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, in which he affirmed the significant role of the Lasallian network in the Church’s global educational mission and expressed particular support for Bethlehem University.

Bethlehem University also contributed to discussions on the Palestinian context through a session entitled “A Day in the Life of a Palestinian Student,” which offered participants valuable insight into the daily realities, challenges, and resilience of our students, faculty, and broader community. The session highlighted the realities of living and educating under occupation, demonstrating how Bethlehem University continues to fulfill its mission despite significant political, social, and mobility challenges. 

For many participants, it was their first real understanding of what it means to operate a university under these circumstances, leaving them with a deeper appreciation not only of the obstacles our community faces but also of the resilience, determination, and hope that sustain it.The Palestinian delegation left a particularly strong impression on participants throughout the program. 

Through presentations, conversations, and an unforgettable Palestinian cultural evening featuring traditional embroidery, dabkeh, music, food, sweets, and Arabic language lessons, the team helped others discover the richness of Palestinian culture beyond headlines and political narratives. Many participants expressed a deeper understanding of Palestine and Bethlehem University’s mission, leaving with a greater appreciation for the perseverance, hospitality, and hope that characterize our community. 

The program concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Lasallian higher education through innovation, service, intercultural collaboration, and a shared responsibility to create more just, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

More importantly, the Bethlehem University participants helped show Palestinians not only through the lens of conflict, but as people of faith, resilience, hospitality, and hope. Through genuine encounters and cultural exchange, they fostered meaningful connections that deepened understanding and highlighted our shared humanity, leaving a lasting impact on participants.