Meet Ihtesham Ud Din - the new Chair of the EURECA-PRO Student Council
Ihtesham Ud Din, PhD student from Hasselt University, is the newly appointed Chair of the EURECA-PRO Student Council and is determined to elevate student participation, ensure inclusivity, and create long-lasting initiatives.
A Vision for Collaboration and Growth
The newly elected EURECA-PRO Student Council Chair is our very own Ihtesham Ud Din, Hasselt University PhD student. A commitment to unity and engagement lies at the heart of Ihtesham’s vision.
“Bringing students from different universities together starts with empowering them through open communication, shared opportunities, and collective engagement. This is not a one-man show - it’s about all of us working together to shape the future of EURECA-PRO,” Ihtesham Ud Din explains.
Challenges such as student engagement, institutional differences, and ensuring a long-term impact remain, but Ihtesham has a strategy in place. Strengthening foundational structures - including an alumni network and inter-alliance collaborations - will be key in securing sustainable success beyond his term.
Strengthening Student Participation
Ensuring that students feel involved and represented is a priority for the new Chair. Digital platforms and social media will play an essential role in increasing outreach.
“Sharing student testimonials, success stories, and awarding digital certificates for active participation are just some ways to inspire more students to join,” Ihtesham states.
Collaboration with local student councils (SCs) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) will also be crucial.
“SCs and ESN have strong local networks that help us connect with more students across universities. Partnering with them allows us to organise workshops, cultural exchanges, and engagement activities,” he adds.
Inclusivity is another focus area. The new leadership emphasise the importance of empowering ambassadors from each partner university.
“We’ll prioritise active listening, feedback, and open communication to ensure that students from all institutions feel equally represented,” says partner in crime and newly-elected Vice-Chair Aralia Muñiz from Universidad de León. “Aralia and I will foster a collaborative environment where we can brainstorm ideas, challenge each other constructively, and make decisions jointly. I'm really looking forward to a productive and impactful partnership with Aralia,” Ihtesham adds.
Building a Sustainable Future: Alumni & Green Initiatives
One of the cornerstone initiatives of Ihtesham’s leadership is the establishment of an alumni network.
“An alumni network fosters a supportive community, enhances EURECA-PRO’s prestige, and creates valuable opportunities for current students and graduates,” Ihtesham explains.
The plan includes developing a comprehensive alumni database and launching a dedicated platform for networking, mentorship, and career development.
Sustainability also plays a major role in the Student Council’s roadmap. Projects such as “Sustainable Materials in Student Council Meetups” will ensure the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials, while the “Green Documentary” will highlight sustainability efforts across the EURECA-PRO network, inspiring students to take action.
“After all, EURECA-PRO is THE core hub for responsible consumption and production,” Ihtesham points out.
Expanding Horizons: Inter-Alliance Collaborations
Ihtesham believes that working with other European university alliances can significantly enhance the reach and impact of EURECA-PRO.
Reflecting on an experience at the European University Student Ambassador Forum (EUSAF), Ihtesham notes, “I met more than 40 alliance ambassadors. They were very eager to work with other European alliances. Joint initiatives with other alliances will increase our visibility on a European scale, attract partners and funding opportunities, and showcase the benefits for students. Inter-alliance collaboration is a strategic multiplier, allowing EURECA-PRO to achieve its goals more effectively and create a long-lasting impact,” says Ithesham.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for EURECA-PRO students
New leadership is also a 'goodbye' to the engaged and voiced Abir Zitouni (Universidad de León) and Olivia Yakunina (Montanuniversität Leoben) who led the Student Council in 2024.
“I am confident the EURECA-PRO student community is in good hands under Ithesham's and Aralia's leadership. I strongly urge our network to consider the capabilities and opinions of the many students. The students are the future leaders and experts in responsible consumption and production,” says Abir Zitouni.
By the end of his term, Ihtesham hopes to have strengthened student representation, empowered council members, and increased the visibility and influence of the Student Council. The new Chair's message to students considering joining EURECA-PRO is clear.
“EURECA-PRO is an ‘alliance of opportunity’ - a launchpad for personal and professional growth. It’s a vibrant space for learning, networking, and skill development. Get involved, share your ideas, and be part of something bigger. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to me or any of our student council members!”
With Ihtesham at the helm, the EURECA-PRO Student Council is set to make meaningful strides in fostering student engagement, sustainability, and collaboration, ensuring a stronger and more connected future for students at all 9 partner universities.
