UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union recently carried out its first International Staff Week, aimed at strengthening the professional skills and fostering collaboration among staff members from universities in Southern Mediterranean countries. The event, which was organised in the framework of the COMMO VII project, provided a unique opportunity for International Relations Officers to engage in meaningful networking, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies regarding the internationalisation of higher education.
Over the course of five days, 16 participants from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya and Syria took part in interactive workshops and thematic discussions, where they addressed key topics such as internationalisation, mobility programmes, virtual exchanges, global partnerships, and proposal writing. The training sessions, led by the UNIMED staff, offered hands-on experiences, allowing participants to learn new methods and tools to enhance the global reach of their universities.
One of the primary goals of the Staff Week was to help participants to develop and to implement strategies to boost internationalisation and to improve student and staff mobility programmes. Additionally, the event focused on tackling common challenges in international relations, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can foster stronger collaboration between universities and international partners.
Throughout the week, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and explore opportunities for future collaborations. The event served as a valuable platform for building lasting professional networks, which will continue to support ongoing exchange of best practices and knowledge-sharing among universities in the Southern Mediterranean region.
It was also an invaluable occasion for advancing the professional development of university staff members and promoting the internationalisation of higher education. The event not only reinforced skills and knowledge but also fostered long-term collaborations that will continue to benefit participating universities and their global engagement efforts.
