At a time when democratic values are under severe threat globally, the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) convened a powerful pre-conference session titled “Democracy in Crisis.” The workshop responded to Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J.’s call from the 2022 IAJU Assembly (Boston College) for Jesuit institutions to confront rising populism, polarization, and the erosion of democracy worldwide.

A Global Response to Democratic Decline

The session began with an overview of the genesis of the IAJU Task Force on Democracy and Human Rights’, whose goals include leading the Society’s response to the erosion of democracy, fostering global academic collaboration, and reinforcing links between universities and civil society. The aim: to position Jesuit education as a global force for democratic renewal.

Session I: Best Practice Sharing, a Spotlight on Crisis and Resilience

Moderated by Dr. Thomas Banchoff of Georgetown University, the first session showcased the realities and responses of Jesuit institutions in two crisis-stricken regions.

Fr. Mario Ernesto Cornejo Mena, S.J. presented on the closure of Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Nicaragua due to authoritarian crackdowns. Following the 2023 shutdown, UCA El Salvador and Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala absorbed hundreds of displaced students, developing virtual programs and mobilizing financial aid despite regulatory and political challenges. Fr. Cornejo emphasized the power of institutional solidarity; the importance of networking, flexibility, and innovation; and the urgent need for international cooperation and financing.

From Lebanon, Fr. Salim Daccache, S.J. of St. Joseph University highlighted the impact of ongoing conflict and economic collapse. Amid crisis, the university doubled down on civic education, offering over 200 courses on citizenship, establishing collaborative councils, and promoting interfaith dialogue and national reconstruction. With 60% of students receiving financial aid, the university aims to foster hope and retain young talent in Lebanon through education and engagement.

Global Citizenship in Action

Dr. Banchoff also introduced the Global Citizenship Curriculum Project and Fellows Program, now reaching over 2,000 students across more than 60 institutions in over 20 countries. Three student fellows from India, the Philippines, and Guatemala shared reflections on intercultural dialogue, democratic empathy, and the role of AI and ethics in global citizenship. Their experiences highlighted the counter-cultural yet vital work of nurturing youth who value justice, empathy, and global responsibility.

Session II: Regional Visions and Collaborative Solutions

Fr. Luis Arriaga, S.J., led the second session, featuring panelists from across Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Each offered insights into the regional state of democracy and Jesuit higher education institutions’ responses through research, education, and advocacy.

Dr. Azul Aguiar outlined the Latin American Observatory on Democracy’s work, including surveys and a planned inter-institutional master’s program on democracy and human rights. They are excited to expand their collaboration with other Task Force regions and Jesuit institutions globally with democracy-related programs.

Fr. Matthew Carnes, S.J. from the U.S. emphasized universities' role in countering growing public distrust of elections, dissatisfaction with traditional media, and institutional dismantling through evidence-based education and advocacy. Great collaboration for democracy is a priority for U.S. and Canadian institutions going forward.

In Asia-Pacific, Dr. Philip Tuaño reported a concerning decline in democratic engagement in the Philippines, countered by research dissemination and civic education initiatives ahead of national elections. Next steps include widening their research scope across Asia and delivering practical formation for young leaders and bureaucrats.

Dr. Paul Newman described India’s democratic regression, highlighting the role of Jesuit institutions in education, voter awareness, and rights-based advocacy to counter rising ethnic and religious majoritarianism, corruption, and economic disparity. Future plans include a survey on the status of democracy in India and developing tools for like-minded forces to network.

Fr. Elias Opongo, S.J. focused on Africa, where publicly-expressed support for democracy and youth-led digital resistance movements call for renewed engagement. His research spotlighted young Kenyans’ physidigital activism and the continent's unique democratic challenges. He additionally highlighted the dedication of Jesuit universities across the content to the intersection of peace and democracy.

Finally, Dr. Sonia Alonso Saenz de Oger represented Europe and Lebanon, calling for integrated teaching, research, and advocacy programs rooted in social impact and inter-university collaboration. They also intend to generate a repository of best practices and increase collaboration with third-sector organizations, especially to combat growing anti-science narratives.

A Call to Deepened Commitment

As democracy faces unprecedented challenges, Jesuit higher education is forging a path forward rooted in solidarity, intellectual rigor, and a global commitment to justice. This session underscored that through coordinated action, Jesuit universities can be a transformative force for democratic renewal worldwide.