UnaVeX virtual exchange concept was introduced by Melissa Plath (University of Helsinki) in the Una Europa – Africa Working Group meeting on 26 June 2024. The Africa WG will act as an advisory board to UnaVeX.
As an outcome of the 1st meeting The Africa Working Group addressed that they are excited about the UnaVEx project and the potential it has for their own institutions and for Una Europa as a whole. There’s a real sense of enthusiasm about what this could bring! The WG recognized the need to clarify their roles—what they can do as individuals versus what they can achieve collectively as external advisors. Individually, they can help spread the word within their own institutions. But as a group, they can provide strategic advice and guidance to UnaVeX.
The general consensus was that UnaVeX could approach Africa WG with 3-5 specific questions where their input would be valuable. Based on today’s conversation, it seems like framing UnaVeX engagement through key questions or discussion points would be the way to go. Africa WG would also ready to help UnaVeX find inspiring keynote speakers. Lastly, there was a question about involving their students in the virtual exchanges (VEs). WG asked whether more students would be participating and if the project would need additional moderators. If their students join, it makes sense to find moderators from their institutions as well.
UnaVeX & Africa WG meeting 26 June
Una Europa–Africa Partnership – read more: https://www.una-europa.eu/about/una-europa-africa-partnership