In today’s world, collaboration across borders, disciplines, and institutions—is no longer optional; it is essential. Yet many promising collaborations never take off because they start from a place of hesitation: a “yes, but” mindset that focuses on risks, uncertainties, or what might go wrong instead of the opportunities that may arise from this collaboration.

Global Spark 2026 invites participants to shift towards a “yes, and” mindset—one that embraces uncertainty as a starting point for learning, experimentation and trust-building. While international collaboration is a key focus, the programme also recognises that many of the same dynamics apply locally: within institutions, across departments and between disciplines. Global Spark creates a space to reflect on both.

Designed as an interactive learning journey rather than a traditional lecture series, Global Spark 2026 centres on real collaboration stories connected to India, China and Japan, as well as individual speakers with international mobility experience. Participants learn from lived experiences: how collaborations begin, where challenges arise, how trust develops over time and what helps partnerships gain momentum.

Each session combines short inputs with guided reflection and interactive elements. Insights are captured collectively on a shared Miro board and revisited across sessions through small reflective tasks. This approach encourages active participation and supports participants in gradually building confidence in navigating collaboration across borders, disciplines and institutions.

Each session follows a consistent format: a short thematic input or case-based contribution, followed by an interactive reflection and discussion. The programme is designed as a coherent learning journey, therefore participants are expected to attend all sessions.