ECOEI held the 2nd High Level University Representatives Forum on December 20, 2023, in cooperation with ECO HRSD. The forum, conducted under the theme "Challenges Faced by International Students in the ECO Region," brought together notable figures and experts in the field. The event commenced with impactful opening speeches from Kashif Zaman, Deputy Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation; and Prof. M. Akif Kireçci, President of the ECO Educational Institute.
Mr. Kashif Zaman set the stage by emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges, underscoring the ECO's commitment to fostering cooperation among member states. President Tayebi provided valuable insights into the role of scientific cooperation in tackling global issues, emphasizing the foundation's dedication to research collaboration. Subsequently, Prof. M. Akif Kireçci, President of the ECO Educational Institute, took the stage to articulate the institute's mission and vision. President Kireçci highlighted the institute's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and creating an environment conducive to the success and well-being of international students. His speech set the stage for the substantive discussions that followed in the subsequent sessions.
Following the opening speeches, the forum delved into two substantive sessions. The first session focused on a roundtable discussion on Personal and Social Challenges, where each speaker provided a 3-5 minute speech addressing various issues such as language barriers, homesickness, social integration, discrimination, housing challenges, and other personal and social considerations. This session laid the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by international students. Subsequently, the second session centered on Administrative Challenges, where each speaker shared insights into visa and immigration issues, internship and employment challenges, financial concerns, navigating healthcare systems, banking systems, and other legal and administrative considerations.
The forum provided a platform for in-depth discussions, fostering a collaborative dialogue among representatives from various universities and institutions. The diverse perspectives presented during the sessions contributed to a holistic exploration of challenges faced by international students in the ECO region, paving the way for future initiatives and collaborative solutions.
