ESN Ukraine at the Autumn General Assembly 2024 in Thessaloniki

From 21 to 24 November 2024, ESN Ukraine participated in the Autumn General Assembly of the Erasmus Student Network in Thessaloniki, Greece. The event brought together representatives of National Organisations to discuss the network's strategic priorities, international cooperation and the future of student mobility.

The Ukrainian delegation consisted of President Pavlo Garadzhii, Vice-President Dariia Beliaieva and former National Representative Karyna Hrodetska, representing ESN Ukraine within the international network.

Bringing Ukrainian Perspectives to the International Network

Throughout the Assembly, ESN Ukraine's representatives connected with volunteers from other National Organisations, shared the experiences of Ukrainian volunteers and highlighted the challenges facing young people in Ukraine.

These exchanges provided an opportunity to communicate the realities of Ukrainian youth amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion and demonstrate the continued involvement of Ukrainian volunteers in the international ESN community.

By engaging directly with representatives from different countries, the delegation contributed Ukrainian perspectives to conversations about student mobility, volunteering and international cooperation.

Discussing the Future of the Erasmus Student Network

As ESN's highest decision-making body, the General Assembly provides a platform for National Organisations to discuss the network's governance, priorities and long-term development.

Discussions in Thessaloniki focused on communication within the network, strengthening the Erasmus Generation, the future of Erasmus+ and the role of European University Alliances in enhancing international collaboration.

The Assembly also featured updates on ESN's developing Long-term Strategy, alongside discussions about improving engagement, transparency and cooperation across the international network.

For ESN Ukraine, the event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other National Organisations and explore approaches to volunteer engagement and organisational development.

Following the Assembly, the delegation expressed its intention to share the insights gained in Thessaloniki with Ukrainian volunteers, connecting international discussions with the ongoing work of ESN Ukraine's national network.