The inaugural meeting of the Sciences Po International Council (2026): launching a global dialogue

Founded in 1871 by Émile Boutmy, Sciences Po was created with a clear and ambitious purpose: to intellectually rearm the French elite and overcome the stagnation of the university system of the time. More than a century later, that founding mission continues to guide the university. Sciences Po today trains leaders who pursue careers in senior public service, international organizations, academia, and the private sector, combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to social openness. With a network of 445 partner universities across five continents and a student body composed of 40 percent international students, Sciences Po has established itself as a pioneer of internationalization in higher education, linking its French roots to a global presence.

This international vision provided the context for the inaugural meeting of the Sciences Po International Council, held on February 13, 2026 at Saint-Thomas, Sciences Po’s new campus in Paris. The gathering brought together distinguished supporters, alumni, faculty members, and international partners from across the world, including representatives from New York, Boston, London, California, Santiago, Milan, Luxembourg, Zurich, and Geneva. The event marked the formal launch of a global network designed to strengthen institutional ties, support strategic priorities, and deepen international engagement. Conceived as more than a philanthropic initiative, the International Council serves as a platform for intellectual exchange, connecting Sciences Po’s leadership with global advocates of the university. 

As one participant observed, “the diversity of the participants- across regions, genders, generations, and professions- made every conversation richer.”

The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Anne Scattolin, who thanked participants for both their financial support and their commitment to building an international community around Sciences Po. She emphasized that the Council represents both gratitude and ambition: a shared effort to reinforce the university’s global future. Jean-François Ducrest, Chairman of the Sciences Po American Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the historic nature of the gathering and the opportunity to strengthen relationships across the university’s international network.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary societies. A masterclass by Professor Jonathan Levy of the Sciences Po Center for History explored the paradox of climate control through the history of air conditioning. Using the example of Houston and the Houston Astrodome, Levy illustrated how climate control transformed urban environments, public health, and education while simultaneously contributing to rising energy consumption and climate change.

Another central theme of the day was the governance of artificial intelligence. A panel moderated by Julie Klein, Dean of the Sciences Po Law School, examined the legal and ethical complexities surrounding accountability in AI-driven systems. Professor Beatriz Botero Arcila discussed the challenges of assigning responsibility when algorithmic technologies cause harm, noting that traditional legal frameworks often struggle to address the multiple actors involved in technological systems. She emphasized that effective governance will require strong transatlantic cooperation and collaborative research.

The panel also featured a perspective from the student community through Lukas Kérouédan, an Economic Law student who shared his unconventional academic path from professional ballet training in New York to legal studies at Sciences Po, illustrating the university’s distinctive blend of international exposure and academic opportunity.

In a strategic dialogue with Council members, Sciences Po President Luis Vassy provided insight into the institution’s priorities and future direction. Grounded in the core values of excellence, freedom, and openness, his vision centers on strengthening Sciences Po’s role in addressing global challenges. Vassy highlighted a fundamental paradox facing the institution: to preserve French excellence, Sciences Po must internationalize, yet to attract top French students, it must remain globally competitive.

The day continued with a fireside conversation between Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO and former French Minister of Culture, and President Vassy. Their discussion focused on the relationship between culture, education, and global stability. Azoulay emphasized that cultural heritage and education increasingly play a role in geopolitical conflicts, making it essential to safeguard their independence from political manipulation while maintaining dialogue across nations.

The gathering concluded with artistic performances by Sciences Po students Annabelle Niang and Nikolai Augustin, followed by a tour of the Saint-Thomas campus and an evening reception that allowed participants to continue their conversations in a more informal setting. 

Reflecting on the format of the day, one attendee noted that “the balance between structured group sessions and open networking created the perfect environment for meaningful exchange.”

The 2026 inaugural meeting of the Sciences Po International Council established a strong foundation for this new global network. By bringing together alumni, scholars, and supporters from across continents, the Council reinforces Sciences Po’s position as a hub of international dialogue at a time when the world faces increasingly complex and interconnected challenges.

Join the International Council and attend its next meeting on February 12, 2027!