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On October 15, 2024, the Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe) hosted a dialogue on the values and dilemmas underpinning global collaborations. Moderated by Johan Schot and Lorena Sosa, the session aimed to explore the values and dilemmas inherent in global partnerships, particularly in light of contemporary crises and geopolitical tensions.

This intimate and interactive meeting was the first in a series planned to address the complexities of global engagement. It brought together a panel of academics from diverse fields, including Bruce Mutsvairo, Joras Ferwerda, Markha Valenta, and Maria van der Harst. Each shared insights on how international collaborations—especially between the Global North and South—must navigate issues of power, ethics, and practicality.

Key Discussions

Gaza and Ukraine Conflicts
The occupation of Gaza and the war in Ukraine set the tone for discussions on how institutions like Utrecht University (�����̨) should engage with partners amidst ongoing conflicts. There was an emphasis on evaluating whether certain relationships should be maintained, with calls for universities to distance themselves from problematic entities.

Ethical Dilemmas in Collaborations

• Joras Ferwerda shed light on his collaboration with an Israeli institution under an EU project. He expressed concerns about the potential backlash at �����̨ and the need to carefully assess the ethical dimensions of such collaborations.
• Bruce Mutsvairo shared his personal experience growing up in Zimbabwe and working as a journalist, pointing out how different cultural norms and biases can hinder global collaborations. He stressed the importance of trust and openness in fostering successful partnerships.
• Maria van der Harst emphasized the necessity of humility, especially for those in the Global North, when engaging with partners from the Global South. She pointed out the “arrogance” often ingrained in institutions and underscored the importance of creating equitable relationships.
• Markha Valenta discussed how imbalances in knowledge production—often rooted in colonial histories—continue to shape academic collaborations. She highlighted the need to move beyond Eurocentric frameworks and engage more inclusively.

Challenges of Collaboration

• Financial and Practical Barriers: Maria and Markha both highlighted the financial constraints and global access issues, particularly for students and scholars from the Global South. Markha described a failed attempt to build collaboration with Jordan institutions due to a lack of resources and support.
• Support from Institutions: Many panelists voiced concerns about the level of institutional support provided by �����̨. There were suggestions for a more structured approach to managing partnerships, including clearer guidelines on ethical collaborations and knowledge safety.

• Role of Ethics Committees: The idea of implementing ethical review processes for global collaborations was debated. While some favored more oversight, others warned of the bureaucratic challenges these could pose. Bruce noted that in countries like the U.S., ethics boards are more robustly organized, though they often add significant delays.

• Knowledge Safety and Security: The discussion also touched on the growing need to address knowledge safety, especially in collaborations with countries where political and ethical boundaries are blurred. Panelists discussed the challenges of distinguishing between security concerns and ethical dilemmas in these partnerships.

Closing Thoughts

The session concluded with a call for more practical support at the faculty level, particularly in providing time, resources, and clearer guidelines for researchers. While there was agreement on the importance of ambition in global collaborations, it was clear that there's still much work to be done in helping the �����̨ community navigate ethical, sustainable, and inclusive partnerships.