Dr. Afnan Gharra Mawassi, Head of the International Academic Relations Unit at Al-Qasemi Academic College, and the College’s representative and Exchange Coordinator (ECO) in the European Teacher Education Network (ETEN), participated in the ECO/TIG-Leader Meeting, held in Gdańsk, Poland, from 23–25 September 2026, and hosted by the University of Gdańsk.

This year’s meeting brought together 58 participants from 16 countries, representing universities and academic institutions within the ETEN network. The meeting provided an international platform for dialogue on advancing cooperation in teacher education, strengthening academic mobility and exchange, and developing joint partnerships and initiatives among member institutions.

The meeting opened at the European Solidarity Centre (ECS) in Gdańsk, with the participation of representatives from the University of Gdańsk administration and its Office for International Cooperation. The opening included a presentation on the Centre’s mission and activities in the fields of solidarity, human rights, and community engagement. The meeting continued at the Faculty of Social Sciences – Institute of Education at the University of Gdańsk, where joint sessions were held alongside parallel sessions for Exchange Coordinators (ECOs) and Thematic Interest Group (TIG) leaders.

During the meeting, Dr. Mawassi contributed to discussions on ETEN’s future vision and the development of international cooperation among member institutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving the network’s human and personal dimension, strengthening content-based academic dialogue, and creating stronger connections between international cooperation and the academic work of the TIGs. Such connections can support the development of joint initiatives and projects that extend beyond traditional forms of academic exchange.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to expand Al-Qasemi Academic College’s international academic network, connect with representatives of European universities, and explore potential future cooperation in areas including academic mobility, joint projects, virtual exchange, and teacher education.

This participation forms part of the ongoing efforts of Al-Qasemi Academic College’s International Academic Relations Unit to strengthen the College’s presence in international academic networks, expand partnerships with higher education institutions, and create new opportunities for faculty and students to engage in international cooperation, exchange, and joint initiatives and projects.