ABOUT THE UNIMED GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The UNIMED General Assembly is an important annual event, bringing together around 150 representatives from our member universities and institutional partners over two days. It serves as a crucial platform for rectors, delegates, partners, and international stakeholders to discuss policies for higher education and strategies for enhancing the EuroMediterranean university landscape.
The 2025 UNIMED Assembly is particularly significant for fostering dialogue and collaboration due to several key factors:
- 30th Anniversary of the “Barcelona Process”: This year marks three decades since the launch of the Barcelona Process in 1995, which established a new framework for EuroMediterranean cooperation, leading to numerous achievements.
- Renewed Focus by the European Commission: The European Commission is reinforcing the importance of Euro-Mediterranean relations by appointing a Commissioner for the Mediterranean and initiating a consultation process to develop a new "Pact for the Mediterranean," set to be adopted this autumn.
- Addressing Regional Crises: Given the multiple crises affecting the Mediterranean region, higher education institutions must strengthen their capacity to support at-risk scholars and refugees.
- Strengthening Collaboration: Universities need to enhance cooperation with regional authorities and foundations to improve collaboration between the academic community, local authorities, and civil society.
- Adapting to AI: The rise of AI requires university systems to rethink their educational processes and develop a robust, modern higher education framework.
This year's Assembly program reflects these priorities, all aimed at revitalizing Euro-Mediterranean Partnerships in Higher Education.