From September 12 to 14, 2024, the SGH Warsaw School of Economics hosted the European University Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF). This important event brought together student ambassadors from across Europe, representing various European Universities Alliances (EUAs), to discuss and influence the future of European higher education.
The European Universities Initiative, launched in 2017, aims to foster collaboration between European universities, allowing students to study in different countries and encouraging cooperation on education and research. EUSAF is a crucial platform for students within these alliances to have their say on these developments and play an active role in shaping the policies and practices that will define the future of European education.
A major theme of the forum was exploring how student ambassadors can actively shape and promote the goals of European Universities Alliances within their home institutions. Ambassadors are not only representatives but also key advocates, responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the alliances resonate with local student communities. The forum provided an opportunity for ambassadors to discuss strategies for improving communication about the alliances’ mission and values and finding ways to engage more students in the initiative. This included discussions on how to make the goals of the alliances more visible and relevant to local communities, ensuring that students feel connected to the broader European project.
Local engagement was another central theme, with a focus on how student ambassadors can foster activities that connect the work of the alliances with the needs and interests of local communities. Participants shared examples of successful outreach initiatives that helped students and local stakeholders understand the significance of their involvement in the European Universities Initiative. These ambassadors discussed and shared best practices on how to organise events and campaigns that communicate the project’s goals, building stronger connections between students, staff, and the local communities around their universities. The aim is to ensure that the alliances are not seen as distant or abstract concepts but as initiatives that bring real, tangible benefits to students' everyday lives.
Beyond the discussions and workshops, EUSAF also highlighted the importance of turning ideas into action. A major focus was on how student ambassadors can implement what they’ve learned back at their universities. The forum encouraged participants to think critically about the steps they need to take to ensure that the strategies discussed during EUSAF are put into practice. Whether through organising events, improving communication channels, or initiating sustainability programs, student ambassadors left the forum with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility to bring these ideas to life.
Now that EUSAF 2024 has concluded, the next step is crucial. Based on the discussions and insights from the forum, ESN, together with the student ambassadors, will begin drafting a set of policy recommendations. These recommendations will address the key challenges discussed during the event. The recommendations will be shared with European Universities Alliances, higher education institutions, and policymakers on an online event on the 4th of December to ensure that the voices and ideas of students are heard and acted upon.
EUSAF 2024 highlighted the vital role of students in shaping the future of European higher education, reinforcing the importance of student engagement in decision-making processes. The forum served as a powerful reminder that student voices matter, offering a platform for them to share ideas, collaborate, and influence the policies that will shape the future of higher education in Europe. By working together, students and institutions can create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable education system that meets the needs of all.
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