Jean Paul Hamalaya, a student from the Faculty of Sport Sciences (FSS) at Antonine University (UA), recently took part in the 2026 Mediterranean Student Summit (MSS), organized by UNIMED and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Urbino, Italy. Hosted by the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, the fifth edition of the Summit brought together 26 students from across the Mediterranean region under the theme “The Strategic Role of Students in Fostering Intercultural Dialogue on Campus.” Participants exchanged ideas and addressed key challenges facing today’s youth.

During the Summit, Jean Paul actively contributed to working group discussions on student mobility and geopolitical barriers, exploring the obstacles that often limit access to international opportunities, including complex visa procedures, financial constraints, and regional geopolitical challenges.

Working alongside students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, he participated in the development of innovative and practical recommendations aimed at fostering greater mobility across the Mediterranean region. Among the proposals discussed were the introduction of a “Mediterranean Passport” to facilitate academic exchanges and strengthen a shared Mediterranean identity, as well as the creation of dedicated funding mechanisms to support students facing financial barriers to international mobility.

Beyond the thematic discussions, the Summit offered a unique environment for intercultural dialogue and collaboration. Through workshops, group projects, and networking activities, participants shared experiences, exchanged perspectives, and worked collectively on recommendations designed to promote stronger cooperation, mutual understanding, and lasting connections among Mediterranean youth.

For Jean Paul, the Summit also marked another opportunity to engage internationally following his previous Erasmus+ study mobility at the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém in Portugal.

His participation reflects UA’s commitment to encouraging student engagement in international initiatives and empowering its students to contribute actively to shaping a more connected, inclusive, and collaborative Mediterranean region.