University of Lapland is represented at event tackling questions on recognition of previously acquired competencies and removing obstacles for immigrants to access European Higher Education, to be held the beginning of December in Brussels.
The Lisbon Recognition Convention (1997) and the Bologna Declaration (1999) were notable steps toward academic recognition of qualifications and competencies acquired elsewhere. However, several substantial obstacles have remained up to this day, especially for migrants coming from outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). As one of the partners of this initiative, The UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Migration at the University of Lapland, focuses on immigration to and from the North.
At the conference “Welcoming Immigrants in European Higher Education” some of the questions that will be addressed and discussed together with experts, students, and graduates from Europe and beyond, civil society organizations, and policymakers during the event are:
- How can third-country nationals, including refugees, have optimal opportunities in European higher education?
- What can universities, student organizations, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders do to enable inclusive study paths?
- How can competencies and qualifications be assessed and valorized for access to higher education or to employment activities even when documentary evidence is lacking?
This event aims to strengthen understanding that sustaining a diverse society requires the continuous practice of equity and social justice.
– Diversity is our new ordinary - respect for diversity and keeping diverse relationships are linked with uniformity, equality, and ethical aspects that reinforce the concept of societal behavior says Professor Satu Uusiautti, the Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Lapland.
Recognizing diverse skills and knowledge of people for strengthening community well-being and determining social justice necessitates prerequisites and initiatives of Higher Education Institutes. Such as those to valorize diverse competencies of immigrants along with international students acquired from elsewhere or outside the EU. Thus, the recognition of any accomplishment further persuades immigrants to build sustainable connections within the mainstream community where they belong.
Dr. Nafisa Yeasmin, the lead of the Thematic Network on Arctic Migration is the contact person of MaxiPacEU for Finland.
According to Dr. Yeasmin, an academic recognition of previously acquired competencies and qualifications contrive hope among immigrants for sensing belongingness.
– This recognition enhances possibilities for immigrants in the host society. This is not only the process of identifying immigrants’ educational culture of their country of origin, but also accepting someone´s existence and identity in a respective European host society. Thus, the assessment process of the competencies and qualifications of immigrants has a sustainable value for building mutual trust and reciprocity between immigrants and social institutions in the host society.
Rectors from four different European universities are attending this event in Brussels.
When: Thursday 1st December 2022, 9:30-16:30 CET.
Where: Brussels (exact location tbd).
Organised by: AEGEE-Europe, Thomas More, University of Bari Aldo Moro, University of Lapland, EKKE - Εθνικό Κέντρο Κοινωνικών Ερευνών.
Read the event program in the file attached.
For more information contact: Dr. Nafisa Yeasmin, nafisa.yeasmin@ulapland.fi, +358 40 484 4256