Empowering Youth at EGM 2025 in Ancona

The Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM) 2025, held in Ancona from 3 to 6 April, brought together more than 1,200 young volunteers from 45 countries, alongside representatives from universities, institutions, and companies. Organised by ESN volunteers with the support of the European Union, the event served as a vibrant platform to promote international collaboration and inclusivity in education.

Under the powerful theme "Empowering Youth as Changemakers of Society," the event featured conferences, training sessions, and networking opportunities that focused on youth engagement, professional development, and fostering intercultural dialogue. The slogan, "Guiding the Waves of Change," captured the essence of the gathering: to inspire young people to lead societal transformation through mobility and volunteerism.

ASAF’s Active Participation

As a representative of the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), I had the honour of contributing as a speaker in the session "Ambassadors in Action: How to Make Erasmus+ Go Viral." This panel discussion brought together five speakers from diverse networks and was moderated by an expert in youth mobility and outreach.

The session spotlighted the power of grassroots Erasmus+ ambassadorship to drive change. Each speaker shared inspiring stories and creative initiatives used to promote Erasmus+ mobility opportunities. Discussions ranged from mentoring peers and organising informal ambassador talks to engaging communities through impactful events beyond social media. The audience left motivated and better equipped to promote Erasmus+ within their local settings.

The ASAF contribution aligned perfectly with the event’s theme, showcasing how Erasmus+ ambassadors can generate ripple effects within their societies by nurturing leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and community engagement.

Exploring Future Collaborations

The EGM created space for ASAF to interact with alliance board members, laying the groundwork for strategic partnerships. By sharing best practices and coordinating efforts with other networks, ASAF can help expand the reach and impact of student mobility programmes across regions.

The multicultural environment reinforced ASAF's mission of fostering mutual understanding, international cooperation, and youth empowerment. Connections made during the event are expected to translate into future collaborations that drive positive, community-led change both in Africa and globally.

Ancona, Italy, 07 April 2025
Briand Rovaniaina Randriatsaramiafara (briand.randriatsaramiafara@asaf.africa)
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team