III.b: Global engagement (internationalization) and the local mission of universities Speakers Chair/ Moderator: Hans de Wit, Director, ‘Center for International Higher Education’ (CIHE) , Boston College, USA Markus Kajanto, Head of Planning, University of Helsinki, Finland Jocelyne Gacel-Avila, General coordinator, the Regional Observatory on Internationalization and Networks in Tertiary Education (OBIRET), University of Guadalajara, Mexico Youmin Xi, Executive President, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China Ni Jadon, Senior Project Manager/International Liason Officer, McMaster University, Canada Description Internationalization of higher education is an inevitable process in the era of globalization and a deliberate strategy for improving the quality of teaching/learning, research and service to society. Higher education institutions (HEIs) engage at global level through partnerships with other institutions abroad for student and staff exchange and to conduct research on topics of global interests. At the same time, to fulfil their mission of service to society, HEIs should not neglect the needs of the local communities in which they are based. The two aspect should not be in contrast one to each other, but a successful internationalization is one which at the same time provides answers to the most pressing global challenges and benefits to the local communities.