The summit was jointly organized by the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) and the Erasmus Student Network International (ESN) in collaboration with the University of Barcelona, with the financial support of the European Investment Bank Institute and under the patronage of Union for the Mediterranean.

The summit brought together 16 students from 8 countries; namely, Palestine, Algeria, Lebanon, Cyprus, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The summit aimed at incorporating the student’s vision to produce solutions for current problems facing the Mediterranean Region in education and mobility, through fostering intercultural relations and dialogues between the participating countries. The general objective of the event was to increase mutual awareness and understanding among students from the Mediterranean region and to support the development of competencies that help them to work together on societal challenges and to establish meaningful connections.

The particitpating students had the chance to visit the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Headquarters in Barcelona, to discuss with the Secretary General Nasser Kamel the role of the new generation in finding solutions for current problems facing the Mediterranean Region in education and mobility. Ms. Hurani shared her perspective as a university student from An-Najah who benefited from many student exchange opportunities, highlighting the academic excellence of An-Najah University locally and internationally, and pointing towards the hurdles created by the Israeli occupation against mobility in Palestine.

“The Mediterranean region is facing existential threats, and it is just the beginning. Students are among the most important actors that can actively contribute to the change by making their voices heard and demanding concrete actions to their governments.” Secretary General of UfM, Nasser Kamel said.

The summit concluded with drafting a proposition of students’ recommendations working on common challenges in the region.