AU Joins Global Celebration at 28th IFCU General Assembly in Mexico

WRITER: KITIKORN DOWPISET

Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of Assumption University of Thailand (AU), and Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President for Moral Development Education, proudly represented AU at the 28th General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), held at Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA) in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Held every three years, the IFCU General Assembly is the premier global gathering of rectors, scholars, and administrators from Catholic institutions around the world. This year’s edition marked a historic milestone—the centennial anniversary of the IFCU—celebrating 100 years of academic unity, innovation, and faith-based service.

Theme: Catholic Universities, Choreographers of Knowledge

The 2025 Assembly explored how Catholic universities can serve as choreographers of knowledge—actively shaping the rhythms of education, research, and innovation. The aim : to harmonize Christian values with global academic excellence, cultural shifts, and contemporary societal challenges.

Participants were called to rethink the university’s role not just as a transmitter of information but as a dynamic force for transformation, weaving together ethics, spirituality, and social commitment.

About the IFCU

Founded in 1924 and formally established in 1948, the International Federation of Catholic Universities connects over 200 Catholic Higher Education Institutions across continents. Its mission is to foster global academic cooperation rooted in human dignity, justice, and sustainable development.

Notable IFCU services include :

Training Department – Leadership and policy workshops for Catholic University personnel.

CIRAD – Research facilitation via the Centre International de Recherche et d’Aide à la Décision.

Foresight Unit – Analysis of academic trends and future education models.

Global Representation – Advocacy at major international bodies such as UNESCO and ECOSOC.

Digital Collaboration Platform – Connecting members for research, projects, and shared resources.

AU Leadership Among Distinguished Delegates

The event welcomed 175 leaders from Catholic Universities across the globe. Key figures included:

Rev. Choi Jun Gui, President, The Catholic University of Korea

Rev. Dr. Stephen Morgan, Rector, University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Dr. Isabel Capeloa Gil, Rector, Catholic University of Portugal

Dr. Álvaro Barbosa, Vice-Rector, Catholic University of Portugal

Fr. Thomas T.V., Director MBA Programme, CHRIST University, India

Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President, Assumption University of Thailand

Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, V.P. for Moral Development Education, Assumption University of Thailand

Key Insights and Roundtable Takeaways

The keynote sessions emphasized the transformative mission of Catholic Universities as agents of justice, equity, and ecological responsibility. Themes included :

- The global Catholic response to Pope Francis’s call for integral human development
- Strategies for academic diplomacy and ethical leadership in uncertain times
- Reimagining Catholic identity in increasingly diverse and secular contexts

Noteworthy roundtables included :

Academic Diplomacy – Enhancing global influence through international collaboration

Memory and Identity – Research group insights on articulating Catholic institutional identity

Social Impact & Sustainability – Leveraging universities as drivers of community transformation

A Milestone for AU and the Global Church

AU’s participation in this historic centennial gathering reaffirms its commitment to the global Catholic education network. By contributing to high-level dialogue and collaborative strategies, AU continues to shape future pathways in faith-based academic excellence, research, and moral leadership.

Together, we celebrate a century of shared wisdom—and choreograph the next.