Empowering Student Voices: Insights from the 1st International Conference on Student Participation
The 1st International Conference on Student Participation, themed “Moving from Theory towards Practice,” took place from 28 to 30 October in Spain (Córdoba and Seville). Despite challenging circumstances, with persistent rain and weather disruptions, the event served as a crucial platform to exchange perspectives and discuss global practices in student participation within higher education.
While the focus on local initiatives, particularly within Spain, highlighted significant variability in standards, it reaffirmed the unique and advanced approach adopted by EUniWell. Contributions from regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America provided diverse viewpoints, yet their contexts differed markedly from those within our Alliance.
A key moment of the conference was my presentation, “Empowering Student Participation for Well-Being and Leadership: The EUniWell Approach to Democratic Governance.” Originally scheduled for 30 minutes, the session extended to an hour due to extensive audience engagement. The strong interest underscores the potential for a dedicated conference focusing on student participation within university alliances.
In addition to promoting EUniWell, the conference facilitated impactful networking. A discussion with Dr. Manja Klemenčič from Harvard University—an expert in student participation—was particularly fruitful, with plans for continued collaboration. Furthermore, connections with other alliances, including EUT+ and EUniPeace, were reinforced, opening pathways for future cooperative initiatives.
I extend my sincere gratitude for the opportunity and support provided to represent EUniWell at this significant event. Experiences such as these serve as a powerful reminder of the privilege inherent in my position. The emphasis on equality and respect that defines EUniWell is unparalleled, and it is precisely this ethos that distinguishes our alliance as a leader in fostering student engagement and well-being.
Contact
For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please contact: cso[at]euniwell.eu
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