UNWE PhD Student Represents ENGAGE.EU at the European Universities Student Ambassador Forum 2026
The European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU was proudly represented at the European Universities Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF) 2026 by Nadya Manova, a member of the Board of Learners at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). The international forum took place from 2 to 4 July 2026 at SGH Warsaw School of Economics in Warsaw, bringing together student ambassadors and representatives from European university alliances to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and discuss the future of student engagement in higher education.
The three-day programme featured a series of keynote impactful sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking activities focused on enhancing student participation in the governance of European University Alliances. The opening session highlighted the future of the Erasmus+ programme for the 2028–2034 period and the growing role of student representatives in shaping European higher education.
“Being part of the European Universities Student Ambassador Forum reminded me that meaningful change in higher education begins with students who are willing to share ideas, collaborate across borders, and take responsibility for shaping the future. It was an honour to represent ENGAGE.EU and UNWE, and I return inspired by the real impact, passion, diversity, and commitment of young people from across Europe.”
– Nadya Manova, Member of the Board of Learners, UNWE
Throughout the forum, participants explored the governance structures of European university alliances through role-playing exercises and simulation-based workshops. They discussed decision-making processes, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategies for building meaningful partnerships across institutions. The programme also encouraged participants to strengthen their leadership, communication, and networking skills while exchanging best practices from their respective alliances.
The final day of the event featured the “Alliance Avenue” poster presentations and an open networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to showcase initiatives from their alliances, exchange experiences, and identify opportunities for future cooperation. The forum concluded with a wrap-up session summarising the key outcomes and reinforcing the importance of student voices in the continued development of the European Universities Initiative.
Participation in the European Universities Student Ambassador Forum represents another important step in promoting student leadership, intercultural dialogue, and cross-border collaboration. By engaging in initiatives such as EUSAF, UNWE continues to contribute to the shared vision of the European Universities Initiative, creating a more connected, inclusive, and innovative European Higher Education Area.
The participating alliances included 4EU+, ACROSS, ARQUS, ARTEMIS, Aurora, BAUHAUS4EU, ChallengeEU, CHARM-EU, CIVICA, CIVIS, COLOURS, E³UDRES², ECIU, EC2U, EMERGE, ENHANCE, ENLIGHT, EPICUR, EU-CONEXUS, EUGLOH, EUliST, EUNICE, EUNICoast, EUniWell, EURECA-PRO, EDUC, ERUA, EUt+, EUTOPIA, FORTHEM, INVEST, NEOLAiA, NeurotechEU, RUN-EU, SEA-EU, STARS EU, Transform4Europe, U!REKA, Ulysses, Una Europa, UNIC, UNIGreen, UNINOVIS, UNITA, Unite!, and YUFE.
