Annual message from the President of the Compostela Group of Universities 2026

Dear Compostela Group of Universities community,

As we approach the end of 2025, it is an honour to address all the institutions, professionals and students who form part of our network. Throughout this year, we have focused our efforts on strengthening the strategic axes that guide the work of the Presidency and shape our shared agenda.

In line with these priorities, we continued supporting our sectors through coordinated actions that reinforce the cohesion of our network. In the field of sustainability, we promoted projects involving both young people and senior members, emphasising the importance of environmental responsibility in the present and future of the CGU. We also incorporated the study and debate of sustainability as a permanent component of our annual meetings, consolidating a commitment that we consider essential and cross-cutting.

With regard to cultural heritage and the Camino de Santiago, we deepened our work in volunteer-based activities and reinforced our engagement with European institutions specialised in cultural routes. This axis—central to our identity and to the founding values of the CGU—continued to guide important aspects of our collective work.

In education and training, we reaffirmed our commitment to virtual mobility and to the exchange of experiences among our member universities. We continued developing new Erasmus projects and strengthening our mobility programmes, broadening the academic and professional opportunities available to our community.

In the area of internationalisation, we expanded the Compostela Group of Universities with new members and partners, strengthening our global presence and enhancing collaborations that enrich our international perspective.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication, effort and commitment of all those who form part of the CGU. Your work sustains our mission and allows us to continue advancing together in building an international academic space defined by cooperation, cultural dialogue and inclusivity.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, the staff of the CGU Office and myself, we send you our warmest wishes for a New Year filled with inspiration, collaboration and shared achievements.

With my warmest regards,
Carla Martins
President of the Compostela Group of Universities