Cairo, Egypt Yemeni universities strengthened their international and communication capacities during training in Egypt as part of the YHELD project.

From December 1–4, 2025, Cairo hosted the YHELD Work Package 4 (WP4) Training, titled “Internationalisation and Communication as Key Assets to the Creation of National and International Networks of IROs.”
The four-day programme marked a decisive step in enhancing the global engagement of Yemeni Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through practical training, strategic planning, and the creation of sustainable cooperation networks.
Organised under the leadership of UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, with the coordination of Link Campus University (Italy) and the collaboration of CESIE ETS (Italy), the training gathered 16 participants representing eight Yemeni partner universities. Attendees included university rectors, vice-presidents for international relations, and heads of International Relations Offices (IROs).
Structured Programme and Key Themes
The training combined interactive workshops, expert lectures, and group exercises across four thematic days:
Day 1 – Internationalisation Strategies and Activities
Participants explored global trends in higher education internationalisation and developed mini action plans for their IROs. Guided by Silvia Marchionne (UNIMED), they conducted SWOT analyses, defined strategic goals such as increasing student mobility and improving international visibility, and learned about Erasmus+ funding opportunities.
Day 2 – Cooperation Networks for Internationalisation
Focus shifted to establishing two major collaboration frameworks:
• The Yemeni Network of IROs, a national coordination platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing.
• The Euro–Yemeni Academic Cooperation Network, fostering long-term partnerships between Yemeni and European institutions.
Through group work, participants designed governance models, 12-month work plans, and future joint initiatives.
Day 3 – Communication and Outreach Strategy
Led by Alberto Provenzano (CESIE ETS), the session strengthened participants’ skills in institutional branding, multi-channel communication, and visibility. Universities conducted communication audits to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their outreach strategies.
Day 4 – Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation in EU-Funded Projects
Facilitated by Alessia Valenti (CESIE ETS), the final sessions focused on effective dissemination of project results, EU visibility rules, and stakeholder engagement planning. Participants applied these concepts through case studies and stakeholder mapping exercises.
Expected Results and Long-Term Impact
The WP4 training represents a milestone in Yemen’s higher education reform:
• At the institutional level: IROs gained practical tools to implement internationalisation strategies and engage in EU programmes.
• At the national level: The upcoming Yemeni Network of IROs will serve as a platform for coordination and advocacy.
• At the international level: The Euro–Yemeni Academic Cooperation Network will promote mobility, research collaboration, and sustained academic partnerships.
According to Silvia Marchionne, Senior Project Manager at UNIMED:
“By investing in internationalisation, we invest in the future of Yemen’s academic community — in greater opportunities for students, strengthened research environments, and partnerships that drive innovation and understanding.”
About the Project
The YHELD Project (Project No. 101129434) is co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by Link Campus University (Italy), with partners including UNIMED, CESIE ETS, and multiple Yemeni universities.
WP4 activities aim to translate institutional strategies into concrete actions, build networks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Yemen’s integration into the global academic community.
PRESS RELEASE 04/12/2025
Cairo, Egypt
Empowering Yemeni Universities through Internationalisation and Communication TRAINING IN EGYPT!
From 1–4 December 2025, Cairo hosted the YHELD WP4 Training – “Internationalisation and Communication as Key Assets to the Creation of National and International Networks of IROs.”
Organised by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, in collaboration with Link Campus University and CESIE ETS, the four-day training gathered leaders and IRO staff from eight Yemeni universities to strengthen their global engagement skills and develop concrete action plans for internationalisation.
DAY 1 – From Strategy to Action
Participants explored global trends in higher education, led by Silvia Marchionne (UNIMED).
Through a SWOT analysis and group work, they defined mini action plans focusing on:
• Increasing student and staff mobility
• Strengthening strategic partnerships
• Improving visibility and branding
They also learned how to access Erasmus+ opportunities, including CBHE and ICM, and designed sample mobility programmes adapted to their institutions.
DAY 2 – Building Cooperation Networks
The second day focused on creating two long-term frameworks:
• The Yemeni Network of IROs – a national platform for coordination and capacity-building.
• The Euro–Yemeni Academic Cooperation Network – connecting Yemeni and European HEIs for mobility and joint research.
Participants designed governance models, identified joint priorities, and aligned their work with EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
DAY 3 – Communication and Outreach
With Alberto Provenzano (CESIE ETS), participants learned how to boost their university’s global visibility through strategic communication, branding, and digital outreach.
Each institution carried out a communication audit, analysing its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in presenting itself to global partners.
Results showed strong motivation to improve online presence and storytelling for international audiences.
DAY 4 – Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement
Led by Alessia Valenti (CESIE ETS), the final sessions explored communication, dissemination, and exploitation in EU-funded projects, as well as stakeholder mapping.
Participants worked hands-on with real examples, learning how to meet EU visibility rules and engage key partners for sustainable impact.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
Development of practical internationalisation action plans for each university
Concept notes drafted for the Yemeni Network of IROs and the Euro–Yemeni Cooperation Network
Enhanced institutional visibility and communication skills
Stronger links between Yemeni and European higher education communities
“By investing in internationalisation, we invest in the future of Yemen’s academic community,”
said Silvia Marchionne, Senior Project Manager at UNIMED.
This training marked a turning point for Yemeni universities – from strategy to action, from vision to real cooperation.
More about the project www.yheld.net
#YHELD #UNIMED #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #Yemen #Cairo2025 #Internationalisation #GlobalEducation #IRO #CapacityBuilding #AcademicCooperation #CESIE #LinkCampusUniversity
PRESS RELEASE 04/12/2025
Cairo, Egypt
Building global bridges in higher education!
Yemeni universities strengthened their international and communication capacities during training in Egypt as part of the YHELD project.
From 1–4 Dec 2025, Yemeni universities gathered in Cairo for the #YHELD WP4 ONSITE Training led by @unimeduni, @linkcampusuniversity & @cesie.ets
THERE WAS 4 DAYS of intensive learning, sharing & planning:
Day 1: Action plans for internationalisation + Erasmus+ insights
Day 2: Launching the Yemeni & Euro–Yemeni Networks
Day 3: Strategic communication & visibility training
Day 4: EU dissemination & stakeholder engagement
Results:
Concrete IRO action plans
Frameworks for cooperation networks
Improved outreach & communication capacity
Stronger Euro–Yemeni partnerships
“By investing in internationalisation, we invest in the future of Yemen’s academic community.” – Silvia Marchionne, UNIMED
More info: www.yheld.net
#YHELD #UNIMED #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #GlobalPartnership #Yemen #Cairo #IRO #Internationalisation #AcademicMobility #CapacityBuilding #EducationForA