‘UNIZKM’ University, represented by the Rector's Delegate for "Relations with Universities and Ranking", Prof. Angela Andreoli, participated in the UNIMED General Assembly held on October 23 and 24, 2024 at the "Aydin" University of Istanbul, under the care of the European Parliament and the Union for the Mediterranean, with the support of "Aydin" University of Istanbul and "Bogaziçi" University. The assembly activity lasted two days and brought together over 200 participants including UNIMED members and institutional partners.
During this annual meeting, the rectors, presidents and representatives of UNIMED shared ideas and orientations to define the future policies of UNIMED, laying the foundations for a new year full of initiatives, activities and conferences to influence the academic field in the Mediterranean and in the Balkans. This year the proceedings of the conference focused on the role of universities in the context of a growing crisis.
The Mediterranean region is in fact experiencing a deep and worsening crisis, with dramatic consequences for neighboring areas. In addition to the huge humanitarian crisis and the loss of many lives, the right to education of many students is at risk and academic freedom is threatened globally.
The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, an opportunity to reflect on the next steps of a collaboration that sees universities as protagonists in creating a more inclusive and open Mediterranean region. Among the proposals arises the idea of a meeting with the Ministers of Education of the Mediterranean countries and all of Europe, with the aim of strengthening and expanding the Erasmus Plus program and placing students at the center of university policies.
One of the discussed topics was the future of internationalization and the need to promote the exchange of students, lecturers and university staff. Currently, in Europe there is a great interest in the "European Universities Alliances" initiative, which is a central element of the European strategy for universities. These alliances include 64 European university networks, with over 560 higher education institutions from all over Europe, and may dictate future university policies.
Future research projects were also presented during the Assembly, including "Horizon Europe", with a special focus on health, agriculture and the environment. A special session was dedicated to "University Ranking": among the strategies for improving the ranking is the attraction of international students as well as scientific and research works.
Priority development areas include university governance, digital education, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and support for refugees and migrants. High-profile speakers enriched the debates on the challenges of higher education, education in states of emergency, cooperation with African and Balkan universities, European programs and international governance.
Great attention was paid to students so that their voice finds space in higher education policies in the Mediterranean region. The contribution of students regarding innovative ideas and entrepreneurship was assessed as a key element in improving employment prospects in less developed areas of the region.
The General Assembly will be opened by Mustafa Aydin, President of Istanbul Aydin University, Kherieh Rassas, President of UNIMED and Vice President of An-Najah National University, Hmaid Ben Aziza, Secretary General of UNIMED and Haldun Goktas, Vice President of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey. It will be followed by an opening speech by Joan Borrell Mayeur, Deputy Secretary General of the Union.
