The Scholars at Risk (SAR) network successfully hosted its 2024 Global Congress in partnership with the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius, Lithuania from June 25-27, 2024. The event brought together over 250 in-person attendees and numerous online participants, including SAR network members, project partners, scholars, key donors, local officials, and media representatives.
The Congress kicked off with a series of pre-conference meetings and a special workshop for more than 30 SAR- and partner-assisted scholars. The official launch featured an opening panel discussing lessons from the founding of the European Humanities University, followed by sessions on Afghanistan, Belarus, student engagement in academic freedom advocacy, and global initiatives to support and monitor higher education communities.
A highlight of the Congress was the Courage to Think dinner, where Ian Bickford, President of the American University of Afghanistan, delivered the keynote address. Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine, provided video remarks. The 2024 Courage to Think Award was presented to "the scholars of Ukraine," with Dr. Kateryna Horiunova of Mariupol State University accepting the award on their behalf. Dr. Horiunova's powerful speech emphasized the critical need for ongoing international support for Ukraine's academic community.
The final day featured a plenary on supporting higher education in Gaza, along with parallel panels covering insights from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. SAR's Executive Director, Rob Quinn, concluded the event with an overview of SAR’s new 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, focusing on the organization's future mission and initiatives.
Attendees from over 60 countries engaged in lively discussions, building professional connections and sharing expertise. The Congress demonstrated a unified commitment to protecting academic freedom and supporting at-risk scholars worldwide. Follow-up materials, including photos and session recordings, will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information or inquiries, please contact SARCongress@nyu.edu.