The GA, themed "Go Green: Connect, Innovate & Sustain," brought together students, alumni and stakeholders from all Networks under the EACEA to discuss the role of youth and alumni in advancing environmental sustainability and inclusive global co-operation.

In a co-creation panel session held on the first day, on the topic “Engaging with Communities: Erasmus Mundus Outreach and Community Development” Dr. Sakyi-Hagan joined other Panellists from EMA, OCEANS, ESN, gE, WBAA and the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAARAA), to explore how the various networks were implementing community developments in different parts of the world. In her submission, she emphasised ASAF’s continued efforts in extending Erasmus+ values through outreach, inclusion and capacity-building in various countries across Africa. She shared with participants ASAF’s impactful community driven projects over the past few years as follows:

• Since 2021: over 50 Erasmus+ promotional events have been organised both on-site and online in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia, and Morocco.
• From 2022 to 2025: more than 25 member-led projects, each funded up to €5 000 by the EU, implemented across more than 15 African countries, addressing pressing local challenges through education, environment and innovation.
• In 2025: Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from 12 African countries—including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Madagascar and Ethiopia selected for EU funding, reinforcing ASAF’s credibility as a trusted implementing network.

The session concluded with an emphasis on the need for  community engagement to go beyond visibility, fostering ownership, opportunity, and transformation.

On the second day of the event, Dr. Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan and Dr. Khosbayar Nyamsuren from Mongolia were engaged in another plenary discussion titled “Grassroots to Global: EMA Community-Based Green Innovations,” which was moderated by the EMA President Dr. Md. Ashiqur Rahman. The panel explored how alumni-led initiatives at the community level can address pressing environmental challenges, align with global agenda and inspire scalable action.

During her intervention, the ASAF President highlighted her Forum’s strong commitment to community-based green actions in Africa, emphasising projects led by ASAF members on climate change, agriculture, renewable energy and greening the environment in different countries in Africa. She specifically mentioned the following on-going projects and how important they are in helping to achieve green sustainability both locally and globally:

1. Utilising Erasmus opportunities for a climate smart and resilient environment in dryland (Kenya)
2. ASAF- Ghana Green Impact: Bridging Knowledge and Action for a Sustainable Future (Ghana)
3. Glégan - Promoting EU Policies through the Global Gateway Initiative: Training in Agroecology and Non-Formal Education (Togo)
4. Promoting Inclusivity in Academia: Sensitising and Supporting Working Mothers (Madagascar)

The ASAF President’s participation in this event reaffirmed the strategic collaboration between ASAF and EMA, and underlined the Forum’s positioning as a key player in international higher education and green sustainability.

 

Ghana, Winneba, 23 May 2025
Dr. Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan - ASAF President (2024-2026)
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team