ULAB’s Jude Genilo strengthens Bangladesh’s footprint in global academia

In today's academic landscape, a university's influence is measured not only by what takes place within its classrooms, but also by how it contributes to global conversations  shaping knowledge, informing policy, and building networks across borders. International collaboration and academic diplomacy have become key indicators of an institution's credibility and a nation's visibility in the global knowledge economy.

Within this evolving environment, Professor Jude William Genilo, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), has emerged as one of Bangladesh's most active academic ambassadors. His international leadership and sustained engagement with global bodies have elevated both ULAB's and Bangladesh's standing on the world stage.

A core pillar of Professor Genilo's contribution is his involvement in several influential international academic organisations. He serves as the Bangladesh Ambassador of the International Association for Media and Communication Research, promoting national scholarship and encouraging Bangladeshi participation in global communication studies. He is a Board Member and Academic Representative of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, contributing to global standards, ethics, and education in public relations and strategic communication. He also leads the Technical Working Group on Accreditation at the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre, shaping benchmarks for communication education across Asia, and is a founding member of the Communication and Journalism Educators' Network Bangladesh.

Across these roles, he represents Bangladesh in policy discussions, academic governance, and the development of frameworks that guide media and communication education internationally.

Another defining element of Professor Genilo's international footprint is his strong presence at major academic and professional gatherings. In 2026 alone, he has participated in—and delivered keynote speeches at—conferences in Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Italy, and Indonesia.

These engagements reflect not only his scholarly leadership, but also the growing demand for Bangladeshi perspectives on communication and democracy, digital transformation and journalism education, sustainability and climate resilience, higher education innovation, development communication, youth engagement, and the future of work. By addressing these issues, he helps position Bangladesh as a source of informed, research-driven insight relevant to both developing and developed contexts.

Professor Genilo's work has also helped showcase ULAB's expertise in media studies, journalism, and communication. At global forums, discussions on freedom of expression, civic participation, elections, and public engagement increasingly draw on ULAB's research, placing Bangladesh at the centre of topical international debates.

His participation has facilitated new forms of collaboration, including joint research, curriculum development partnerships, staff and student mobility programmes, benchmarking of academic courses, and cross-national innovation initiatives. These partnerships strengthen ULAB's academic capacity while giving Bangladeshi students and staff greater exposure to global learning environments.

Beyond institutional gains, his leadership extends into thematic areas central to Bangladesh's future. His contributions to international discussions on sustainability highlight ULAB's progress in promoting greener campus practices—a significant issue for a climate-vulnerable country. Conversations on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the future of work allow Bangladesh to contribute to global debates on preparing young people in emerging economies for a rapidly changing world. His participation in dialogues on food security, youth engagement, and development communication also underscores the value of community knowledge and local realities in addressing global challenges.

A key outcome of this engagement is the increased visibility of Bangladeshi students, researchers, and professionals in international arenas. Their involvement signals the country's growing intellectual contribution and reinforces its reputation as an emerging centre of talent and innovation.

This form of academic diplomacy building bridges through ideas, research, and educational cooperation creates long-term benefits that extend beyond individual accolades. It enhances ULAB's institutional reputation, strengthens Bangladesh's position in global networks, and supports the country's wider aspirations to contribute meaningfully to global development.

Through sustained representation, thought leadership, and institutional collaboration, Professor Jude William Genilo continues to advance both ULAB's mission and Bangladesh's presence in international academic and policy forums. His work reflects a forward-looking vision of a more connected, respected, and globally engaged Bangladesh one whose insights help shape global understanding of communication, sustainability, education, and development.