NIBS Annual Conference 2026

A Welcome from the President of NIBS

It is a real pleasure to welcome you to this year’s NIBS conference.

IBA has built an outstanding international reputation over its 44-year history. It stands as a genuine beacon of internationalisation, an institution that not only talks about global engagement but lives it in practice. Its extensive network of partners across the world reflects a deep and sustained commitment to collaboration, exchange, and shared learning. The presence of the only Confucius Institute in Scandinavia is a powerful symbol of that global outlook, creating bridges across cultures and strengthening international understanding in meaningful ways.

Hosting a conference of this scale and quality is no small task. I would like to extend sincere thanks to the entire IBA team for their dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail in bringing this event together. The experience we are about to share is a direct result of your hard work, and it is very much appreciated.

As we gather here today, it is worth reflecting on what NIBS represents. People arrive at NIBS with different priorities and perspectives. Some come to develop case competitions, others explore business simulations or business plan initiatives. Many are looking for inspiration and new ideas to take back to their institutions, or connections that will support research, publications, and joint funding opportunities

Yet across all of these different motivations, there is something consistent. NIBS provides a network that supports and enables internationalisation in its many forms. More importantly, it brings together individuals who share a genuine commitment to that mission.

We often refer to NIBS as a ”family,” and while that can sound like a cliché, it reflects something real. This is a community where people are open, where ideas are shared generously, and where colleagues support one another’s ambitions. It is a place where you can test new thinking, build partnerships, and have honest conversations with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of internationalisation.

That sense of trust and mutual support is what makes NIBS distinctive. It is what continues to give it strength and relevance in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, much like the LEGO bricks Denmark is famous for, we build something stronger and more resilient together brick by brick, member by member.

I hope that over the coming days you will reconnect with colleagues, form new partnerships, and leave with ideas and energy that will shape your work in the months and years ahead.

Thank you, and I wish you an inspiring and productive conference.

Hans van Oudheusden

President, Network of International Business Schools