Empowering Youth as the Changemakers of Society
The 2025 Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM) in Ancona was a moment of full-circle reflection and renewed commitment for the International Association of Universities (IAU). Representing the Association, Giorgio Marinoni, IAU Manager for Higher Education and Internationalization, addressed an audience of hundreds of young leaders at one of Erasmus Student Network’s (ESN) largest annual events.
For Marinoni, the moment held personal significance: seventeen years after serving as President of ESN, he returned to the stage—not as a student leader, but as a global advocate for higher education internationalization. His keynote speech, titled “Empowering Youth as the Changemakers of Society,” urged students to carry forward the spirit of Erasmus into a complex, interconnected world.
“We often speak in echo chambers, within our circles, with people who think like us. But we must also speak to those who think differently and help them understand the beauty of being part of the Erasmus Generation”
With these words, Marinoni called on young people to take their international experiences beyond borders and beyond their peer groups—to engage constructively with difference, and to lead conversations grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
Reframing Internationalization
Throughout his keynote, Marinoni emphasized that internationalization goes far beyond student mobility. It is fundamentally about building mutual understanding, solidarity, and a collective vision for the future. It is about preparing students to engage critically and compassionately in a world marked by global challenges—from climate change and conflict to growing social inequality.
Although his role has evolved over the years—from student advocate to IAU policy leader—his belief in youth as changemakers remains steadfast. Today, he champions initiatives that strengthen internationalization policies and practices around the world, always with students at the center.
A Message for the Erasmus Generation
As part of its global mission, the IAU works to advance internationalization that is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable—values that resonate deeply with the Erasmus Generation. Marinoni’s message was clear: the future of international higher education lies in the hands of today’s students, and their voices matter more than ever.
Whether through grassroots action, university governance, or global dialogue, student leaders have the power to transform higher education—and society at large—for the better.
Watch Giorgio Marinoni’s full keynote starting at minute 25:10 here.
