From 17 to 20 September 2025, the Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF) had the honour of participating as a special guest in the 2nd Ordinary Assembly of DI-Integra, the National Association of Industrial Design Institutions and Schools in Mexico. The event was hosted by the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Querétaro Campus, through the School of Architecture, Art and Design (EAAD).
The assembly gathered academic leaders and representatives from across Mexico to reflect on the evolving role of design as a catalyst for social transformation. In an era that demands creativity, sustainability, and human-centred thinking, participants explored how design education can generate solutions that are both innovative and socially responsible. AEF’s delegation was composed of President Gustavo Gesteira and Associate Director for International Development, Marcela López Enríquez. Both took part in strategic dialogues with academic and institutional partners, strengthening AEF’s network and fostering connections that support creative and educational collaboration across borders. During his presentation, President Gesteira introduced AEF’s academic programmes in Florence and shared the institution’s philosophy of learning that combines culture, creativity, and global citizenship. He emphasised that true international collaboration is built not only on academic exchange but also on shared values of openness, innovation, and mutual respect. His message was warmly received by representatives of the participating institutions, many of whom expressed interest in exploring future partnerships with AEF.
One of the most significant outcomes of the assembly came during its closing session, when DI-Integra President Mariana González De la Rosa and AEF President Gustavo Gesteira agreed to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DI-Integra and AEF. The agreement establishes a collaborative platform that will allow DI-Integra member universities to connect with AEF in Florence through exchange opportunities, joint initiatives, and cultural projects. This milestone marks an important step for both institutions, as AEF becomes the first foreign university to sign an MOU with DI-Integra. It highlights the growing recognition of Florence and AEF as international hubs for creativity, design thinking, and artistic education.
AEF extends sincere thanks to President Mariana González De la Rosa and the entire DI-Integra community for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to contribute to this dialogue on design, education, and global collaboration. At the Accademia Europea di Firenze, we believe that education is most powerful when it transcends borders and disciplines. Through initiatives like this partnership, AEF reaffirms its mission to nurture creative, ethical, and globally minded individuals who can shape meaningful responses to the challenges of our time.
