The ESAA Annual Meeting and Training, held on February 3-4 in Brussels, brought together representatives from four key Erasmus+ Alumni networks: ESN, GE, EMA, and OCEANS, and two regional platforms: WBAA and ASAF. A delegation of seven members from ESN International and each organisation participated, contributing to a dynamic and fruitful exchange of ideas.
Engaging Panels and Discussions
The first day started with two insightful sessions chaired by ESN representatives. Simone Lepore, Policy Assistant, led a panel discussion on “Empowering Global Citizens”, evolving ESN volunteers, and representatives from the two regional platforms.
The panel was followed by Nensi Mkrtchyan, LO for Eastern Partnership, who presented strengthening tools for alumni organisations. Her presentation emphasised the flagship projects of ESN, including the Erasmus Generation Meeting, ESNcard, significant events, newsletters, communication strategies, and advocacy efforts.
One of the standout moments of the day was the discussion on visa issues, a topic that quickly gained momentum and became a central theme among participants. The issue resonated widely, sparking intense discussions and raising awareness about the challenges faced by students and alumni in mobility programmes.
A significant highlight of the day was the Global Mobility Café session, one of them chaired by Emna Memmi, LO for Africa and the Middle East, where representatives from different networks brainstormed on key topics, such as stakeholder communication and engagement strategies. This session fostered an exchange of best practices and innovative ideas to improve alumni collaboration.
Enriching Presentations and Networking
During the second day participants had the chance to get insightful presentations by EACEA and DG EAC. These sessions provided valuable information on policy developments, funding opportunities, and strategies for enhancing alumni networks.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to stakeholder mapping, where participants identified key actors in their respective fields and explored potential collaborations. Additionally, networking sessions facilitated meaningful connections, encouraging the development of joint project ideas that could lead to impactful initiatives in the future.
Further Collaboration
The ESAA Annual Meeting and Training proved to be an invaluable platform for fostering cross-network collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and addressing pressing issues within the international student and alumni communities. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed throughout the two-day event demonstrated the potential for future initiatives and partnerships.
As we move forward, we hope that such meetings will continue to be as productive and impactful, ensuring that alumni networks remain strong, connected, and empowered to drive meaningful change in global mobility programs.
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