Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University (FSMVU) proudly participated in NAFSA 2025, the world’s leading conference on international education, held this year with the theme of fostering global collaboration in higher education for a smarter, more sustainable world. Throughout the week, We took part in a series of workshops, symposia, strategic meetings, and global forums, reinforcing its role as a proactive institution on the international stage.

Workshops on Purpose, Partnership, and Global Responsibility

Our team members joined two particularly impactful workshops:

• “Purpose, Place & Partnership: A Manager’s Perspective”- A deep dive into how leadership and strategic collaboration are reshaping the future of international education in an interconnected world.
•  “Advancing the UN SDGs through Leadership, Learning & Partnership”- A powerful reminder of how universities can serve as catalysts for sustainable change, blending academic excellence with a mission of global justice and inclusion.

These sessions reaffirmed our commitment to aligning education with action, preparing students and institutions to meet the world’s most pressing challenges.

Forging Global Connections and Collaborative Futures

NAFSA 2025 provided us with an invaluable platform to engage with a diverse range of existing and prospective partners worldwide. We were pleased to host productive bilateral meetings with representatives from institutions including:

• University of Leicester (UK)
•  University of Seoul & Sogang University (South Korea)
•  Center for Cross Cultural Learning (Morocco)

Discussions centered on enhancing student and academic mobility, initiating joint research projects, and developing collaborative programs in cultural exchange and heritage studies. Beyond these, we engaged in meaningful conversations with numerous other universities and organizations from countries such as Romania, Croatia, Japan, China, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, and more. These discussions opened promising pathways for joint degrees, global learning opportunities, and intercultural cooperation, reflecting FSMVU’s broad commitment to expanding its international network. We continues to nurture these connections actively, with plans for ongoing collaborations and new initiatives designed to foster sustainable, impactful partnerships that will benefit students, faculty, and communities worldwide.

Strategic Dialogue with Education Above All Foundation

On the sidelines of the expo, We had the privilege of meeting Mr. Talal Al Hothal, Manager of Monitoring & Risk Assessment at Education Above All (EAA) Foundation. The dialogue centered around a project proposal focused on expanding access to quality education and driving sustainable development through international collaboration. The meeting was rich in vision and aligned with both institutions’ shared values.

Thought Leadership and Global Dialogue

FSMVU delegates also attended key symposiums and panels, including the Africa Forum and a range of high-level discussions on the internationalization of education, the resilience of higher education in challenging times, and the strategic role of universities in global diplomacy and development.

Looking Ahead

Our participation in NAFSA 2025 reflects its vision of education without borders - where partnerships transcend geography, knowledge empowers communities, and collaboration drives global progress. With every forum attended, every idea exchanged, and every handshake shared, we move one step closer to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future through education.