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EMA President Represents ESAA at National Erasmus+ Offices Networking Meeting in Brussels
Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman, the President (Ad Interim) of the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), alongside Hélène Banegas, Project Adviser for Erasmus+ International Alumni of EACEA, successfully represented the Erasmus Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA) at the National Erasmus+ Offices (NEOs) Networking meeting, held from 13th to 14th June 2023 in Brussels, Belgium organised by the European Commission's Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
ESAA, serves as an umbrella alliance that brings together the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), Erasmus Student Network (ESN), garagErasmus Foundation (gE), and the OCEANS Network, holds a pivotal role in representing the interests of Erasmus students and alumni worldwide. Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman's presence at the NEOs Networking meeting served as a testament to the strong commitment of ESAA towards promoting the Erasmus+ program and enhancing opportunities for students and alumni.
The NEOs networking meeting aimed to delve into the results and key priority areas of the Erasmus+ Program, address implementation challenges, and collaborative partnerships. Commencing the two-day event, Sophie Beernaerts, the Acting Director of the Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), and Barbara Gessler, the Head of the Unit at EACEA, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for the discussions ahead. Adrian Veale, the Policy officer in International Cooperation from the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), then took the stage to present an insightful overview of the results and strategic priorities of the Erasmus+ program.
The two-day event in Brussels provided a platform for representatives from various National Erasmus+ Offices to gather, network, and exchange knowledge and best practices. With an extensive agenda covering topics such as Erasmus+ projects, results, priorities, mobility programs, policy developments, and the future of Erasmus+, the meeting aimed to foster collaboration and synergy among stakeholders.
Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman actively engaged with NEO representatives, sharing insights and perspectives from the ESAA community, along with Milan Stojanovic, representative from Western Balkans Alumni Association (WBAA) and Jackson Lontchi from African Students Alumni Forum (ASAF). As the President (Ad Interim) of EMA, Dr. Rahman played a crucial role in conveying the voices of Erasmus students and alumni, highlighting the importance of international education, cultural exchange, and the long-term impact of Erasmus+ experiences.
The participation of ESAA at the NEOs Networking meeting further solidified the alliance's commitment to strengthening the Erasmus+ program and advocating for the needs and interests of students and alumni. The event provided an opportunity for ESAA to share its vision and initiatives, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in shaping the future of the Erasmus+ program.
As Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman eloquently stated, "Our presence at the NEOs Networking meeting signifies the dedication of ESAA and its member organizations to actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding Erasmus+. We are committed to fostering the growth of this remarkable program, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the life-changing experiences it offers."
With a successful representation at the NEOs Networking meeting, ESAA continues to solidify its position as a driving force in the Erasmus community. The collective efforts of organisations like EMA, ESN, gE, and the OCEANS Network, united under ESAA, serve as a powerful advocate for the transformative impact of the Erasmus+ program.
Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman
Spain, 25th of June 2023
