From September 12 to 14, 2024, the SGH Warsaw School of Economics hosted the European University Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF). This significant event brought together student ambassadors from across Europe, representing various European Universities Alliances (EUAs), to discuss and influence the future of higher education in Europe.
The European Universities Initiative, launched in 2017, aims to enhance collaboration among European universities, enabling students to study in different countries while fostering cooperation in education and research. EUSAF serves as a vital platform for students within these alliances to voice their opinions and take an active role in shaping the policies and practices that will guide the future of European education.
A key focus of the forum was how student ambassadors can actively contribute to promoting and realizing the goals of the European Universities Alliances at their home institutions. Ambassadors are not only representatives but also essential advocates responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the alliances resonate with their local student communities. The forum provided a space to discuss strategies for improving communication about the alliances' missions and values, while also finding ways to engage more students in the initiative. Participants explored how to make the alliances' goals more visible and relevant to local communities, ensuring that students feel connected to the broader European project.
Local engagement was another central topic, with an emphasis on how student ambassadors can foster activities that link the work of the alliances with the needs and interests of their local communities. Participants shared successful outreach initiatives that helped students and local stakeholders understand the significance of their involvement in the European Universities Initiative. Ambassadors exchanged best practices on organizing events and campaigns to communicate the project's goals, strengthening connections between students, staff, and the communities surrounding their universities. The aim was to ensure that the alliances are not perceived as distant or abstract concepts, but rather as initiatives that bring tangible benefits to students' everyday lives.
Beyond the discussions and workshops, EUSAF emphasized the importance of turning ideas into action. A major focus was on how student ambassadors can implement what they’ve learned upon returning to their universities. The forum encouraged participants to critically assess the steps needed to ensure that the strategies discussed during EUSAF are put into practice. Whether through organizing events, improving communication channels, or launching 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 and will be shared with European Universities Alliances, higher education institutions, and policymakers to ensure that the voices and ideas of students are heard and acted upon.
EUSAF 2024 highlighted the critical role that students play in shaping the future of higher education in Europe, reinforcing the importance of student involvement 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 education in Europe. By working together, students and institutions can create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable educational system that meets the needs of all.
Read another article about the initiative on The magazine of SGH Warsaw School of Economics