November 27-29, 2025
VIU Campus, San Servolo Island, Venice

Established in 1995 by five pioneering universities, VIU has grown into a vibrant network that encompasses more than twenty higher education and research institutions on four continents.

Jointly developing educational programs at all levels, exploring innovative topics, exchanging interdisciplinary and intercultural knowledge and experience remain at the heart of what makes VIU a unique institution.

VIU’s 30th Anniversary marks an important milestone, celebrating its founding vision of raising global awareness and shared consciousness around the principles of constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and purposeful collaboration, which remain essential in a world torn by conflict.

The 30th Anniversary also serves as a shared moment of reflection on the pressing issues our societies face today, from rapid technological change to persistent inequalities and sustainability concerns. Together, we aim to explore the educational models, tools, and approaches that can help us overcome/address these challenges and shape the responsible leaders and engaged citizens of tomorrow.

On November 27-29, VIU will host a program of academic discussions, institutional meetings and celebratory gatherings open to the VIU community, the city of Venice and to all students, researchers, professors and citizens who wish to take part in this shared celebration.

 

Guiding Transitions International Conference

Thursday afternoon, November 27
Friday morning, November 28

Human history has always alternated between slow, steady progress and sudden leaps marked by paradigm shifts and rapid transformations, that have redefined entire civilizations. Wars, epidemics, discoveries, and innovations have sparked rapid transformations in culture, knowledge, and society.

VIU’s international conference Guiding Transitions opens a forum for reflection and case-based analysis, exploring how Higher Education Institutions can equip students with the skills and competencies to navigate these changes. Sessions will focus on four key areas: Higher Education and AI, Structural Inequalities, Ecology and Environment, and Cities in Transition.

The conference is open to scholars, higher education experts and practitioners both from member institutions of Venice International University and beyond, encouraging a collaborative exploration of today’s most pressing transitions. 

Tickets for the Alumni & Friends of VIU Dinner on Thursday, November 27 are complimentary for conferences attendees. 

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Alumni & Friends of VIU Dinner

with music performed by UNIPD Big Band, the Jazz Orchestra of the University of Padova

Thursday, November 27 2025, 19.30

VIU alumni and friends are invited to an evening of reunion, conversation, and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and enjoy live music performed by the University of Padova Big Band.

Tickets are €25.00 per person
Tickets for current VIU students - Fall 2025 are €10.00 per student (at Front Office only)
Conference participants should reserve their tickets via the conference registration form. 

Booking now open

Concert, Choir of the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation

Friday, November 28, 2025, 21.00
Church of San Salvador, Venice

Free entrance. Registration not required
Download the flyer

Inner Island: Art of Survival – Michelangelo Pistoletto & Cittadellarte present the Third Paradise

20th Anniversary of “Inner Island: Art of Survival” 
Saturday, November 29, 2025 
VIU, San Servolo Island

  • 11.30 Unveiling of the new “Terzo Paradiso” on the Island of San Servolo
  • 12.00 Presentation of the book “From the Third Paradise to the Formula of Creation”

With the participation of:
Antonio Spadaro - Undersecretary Department of Culture and Education, Holy See
Massimo Bray - Director General, Treccani
Saverio Teruzzi - Project Coordinator Terzo Paradiso
Valentino Catricalà - Co-editor of the volume
Fortunato D'Amico - Editorial Coordinator of the volume

  • 13.00 Nicola Cisternino – Performance
    TRIKÂLA Towards the Tuning of the Third Paradise for strings, percussion and ritual instruments (2024) to Michelangelo Pistoletto.

30th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Saturday, November 29, 2025 - by invitation only 

  • Reception with the Mayor of Venice, Arch. Luigi Brugnaro

  • The History of Venice International University

     Prof. Hon. Renato Brunetta, Venice Sustainability Foundation

  • Concert, Maestro Filippo Gorini, Piano

  • Gala Dinner