24/09/2026
RSU presents winning Futures Thinking entry at WURI Global Conference 2026 in Germany
DEGGENDORF, GERMANY — Romblon State University (RSU) brought its island-rooted vision of higher education to the global stage as it presented its award-winning entry, The RSU Futures Thinking Capacity Programs, at the WURI Global Conference 2026 (WGC26), held September 23–25, 2026, at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) in Deggendorf, Germany.
Leading the RSU delegation, University President Merian P. Catajay-Mani attended the conference as an official speaker upon the invitation of DIT, accompanied by Dr. Arlo Mortos, Campus Director of RSU Sta. Maria.
President Mani presented the program before an international audience of university presidents, faculty leaders, and administrators during the conference's showcase of successful cases, sessions dedicated to the innovations recognized in this year's World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
Carrying the principle "Dare to be Different," President Mani’s presentation reflects RSU's use of Futures Thinking to develop the foresight and strategic capacity needed to anticipate change and shape the future of the island province of Romblon and beyond.
The presentation also underscored how a state university from an archipelagic, island setting can contribute meaningful models of innovation to the global higher education community.
The WGC26 opened with a plenary session featuring the Conference Chair, Ulrike Sauckel; WURI Foundation Chair Dong-Sung Cho; and WURI Ranking Chair Kyung-Sung Kim, who gave an overview of the WURI Ranking 2026.
The opening program also included the conferment of category awards to 24 winning projects across Categories A, B, and C, recognizing institutions for excellence in areas ranging from student engagement and leadership to research, curricular innovation, and social impact.
Former DIT President Peter Sperber delivered the keynote address, while DIT President Waldemar Berg formally welcomed the delegates.
Beyond the case presentations, the three-day conference featured networking sessions of the World University Network for Innovation (WUNI) for presidents, faculty leaders, and administrative experts; a Certified WURI Mentor (CWM) program; and a panel discussion on how industry transformation is reshaping the future of Third Mission Universities, with former Nvidia Vice President for Sales Bernhard Gleissner and former Siemens Mobility CFO Karl Blaim.
RSU's participation in WGC26 reinforces its growing international presence and its standing in global innovation rankings, as it continues to pursue its mission of delivering quality, relevant, and future-ready education rooted in the Romblomanon experience.
Note: RSU extends its sincere gratitude to the PhilFutures Thinking Inc. for extending support to the capacity building activities that paved the way for RSU team to finish its creation of RSU’s BOR-approved Strategic Development Plan 2026-2035.
Maraming salamat po at Hiraya Manawari!