CyberMACS Shines Bright: Highlights from EMA’s 18th General Assembly and 1st Annual Conference 2024
On May 24th, 2024, our CyberMACS Programme Representative, Mahnoor Jamil, was privileged with an invitation to attend the 1st Annual Conference and the 18th General Assembly (GA) of the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) in Istanbul, Turkey. This event, held at the prestigious Wyndham Grand Istanbul Europe, marked a significant milestone in higher education, offering a day filled with insightful discussions, inspiring presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. The conference commenced with welcoming speeches by the President and Vice President of EMA, setting the tone for the day’s agenda.
There was a welcoming address by Mr. Adrian Veale, Policy Officer — Africa & Capacity Building for Higher Education Unit C3 — International Cooperation Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), European Commission, emphasized the significance of international cooperation in higher education, laying a solid foundation for the ensuing discussions. The conference agenda featured several plenary sessions, each focusing on critical topics for advancing higher education.
The session on “Excellence in Higher Education” discussed strategies for maintaining high standards in education, research, and community engagement, showcasing innovative approaches and successful initiatives. In the “Digital Education” session, attendees explored advancements in digital learning technologies, their impact on teaching methods, student engagement, and outcomes, and learned about innovative practices reshaping education.
The “Global Recognition of EU Joint Degrees” session highlighted the significance of joint degrees, their increasing global recognition and the opportunities they offer for career advancement and international mobility. Overall, these sessions provided a comprehensive overview of higher education trends, challenges, and opportunities, empowering attendees with valuable knowledge and inspiration for positive change.
Throughout the day, our CyberMACS Programme Representative had the invaluable opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, including the EMA Management Board 2023–25. Meeting President Dr. Md Ashiqur Rahman, Outreach and Capacity Building Coordinator Rajon Bhuiyan, Students and Alumni Relations Coordinator Nikshan Paudel, and Talent Management Coordinator Raquel Galeno provided profound insights into EMA’s operations and future goals, enriching our understanding of the association’s vision and mission.
Moreover, the CyberMACS Programme Representative had the privilege of engaging in fruitful discussions with other Programme Representatives (PRs) and Country Representatives (CRs), fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. These interactions broadened her perspective on the challenges and successes within the Erasmus Mundus community and underscored the collective commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
The conference also celebrated significant milestones, including the 20th anniversary of the Erasmus Mundus program and the 18th anniversary of EMA, highlighting their profound impact on global education. The in-person gathering saw over 150 participants on its first day and 80 on the second, with online access available via EMA’s YouTube channel. This landmark event represents a significant step forward in our journey toward educational excellence and innovation.
The experience at the 1st Annual Conference and 18th General Assembly of EMA in Istanbul was enriching and inspiring. The event was a testament to EMA’s unwavering dedication to advancing higher education globally, bringing together a diverse community of stakeholders committed to educational excellence and innovation. The CyberMACS Programme Representative eagerly anticipates significantly contributing to EMA’s mission and vision, buoyed by the knowledge and connections gained at this remarkable conference.
