The Third Mediterranean Student Summit took place in Palermo, Italy, from September 26th to 28th, 2024. Co-organised by UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), with support from the University of Palermo, the event brought together nearly 30 passionate students from the Euro-Mediterranean region, including an ESN volunteer from Ukraine, as well as participants from Ghana representing the All African Student Union (AASU). The event aims to share ideas, collaborate on pressing issues, and collectively shape the future of higher education in their region.
After two successful editions of the summit in Barcelona and Tangiers, the Palermo edition focuses on student empowerment. This isn’t merely a space for discussion—it’s an opportunity for participants to contribute to positive change by being engaged students and collaborating to face common challenges. Through dialogue, creative thinking, and mutual learning, these young leaders are helping design a more inclusive and dynamic future for higher education in the Euro-Mediterranean region. In a time of global uncertainty, having a forum like this to foster cooperation and innovation is more crucial than ever.
Over three days, students deep-dived into key areas such as intercultural exchange, student mobility, and the development of leadership skills. These themes are central to both ESN and UNIMED's mission, which focuses on building a global community of connected and empowered students. Participants were encouraged to think critically about their role in fostering a more open and interconnected academic landscape and how they can advocate for their peers on an international level.
A particularly significant session revolves around creating a Mediterranean Erasmus Generation. Here, students are exploring ways to enhance mobility across the Mediterranean, not only between the northern and southern shores but also within the Southern Mediterranean. For ESN, which has long been at the forefront of advocating for student mobility, this discussion is key. The group is addressing obstacles like visa issues and administrative complexities while also proposing forward-thinking solutions, such as an “Erasmus Visa”, aimed at making mobility programs more accessible to all.
What sets this summit apart is its focus on action. It’s not just about exchanging ideas but about transforming those ideas into concrete proposals. By working closely with UNIMED and other institutional partners, ESN is helping students ensure their voices are heard in the policymaking process. Together, these organisations are pushing for an inclusive and global education system that places students at the centre of decision-making. The Third Mediterranean Student Summit serves as a strong reminder that when students unite with a common goal, they do more than participate—they lead.
At the conclusion of the summit, the students' proposals and recommendations will be presented to key stakeholders, ensuring their ideas contribute to shaping the future of higher education in the region. This aligns perfectly with our mission—to empower students to be active drivers of change and provide them with platforms to have a lasting impact.
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