The leadership of the national agencies supporting higher education internationalization met on Wednesday November 6th in Milan for the G7+ International Higher Education Agencies Summit, the traditional event that takes place in the country that hosts the Presidency of G7. 

During the Summit, organized by Uni-Italia and chaired by President Francesco Profumo, 14 National Agencies discussed on “The Impact of International Students on the Job Market: Best Practices for Graduate Retention Policies”, presented their internationalization and recruitment strategies, and reflected on global challenges related to international student mobility, talent retention, circulation and integration. 

In a time of ongoing global crises, filled with complexities, and characterized by increasing uncertainty, the participants underscored the importance of international students as a response to the increasing shortages of skilled professionals and as valuable resources to address the labour market’s needs, contributing to rebuilding host societies and their home countries.

Key theme were: integration policies for talent retainment, the role of Alumni and how to continue and expand the conversation to other international meetings such us G20.

Study in Greece was honored to participate in the event, showcasing the significant advancements in the field of higher education in Greece. SiG’s Executive Director, Dr. Theodoros Papaioannou presented the Greek higher education internationalization strategy, its main priorities and focuses, and the constructive ongoing dialogue between the reforms implemented by the Ministry of Education and the objectives of
Greek foreign policy that prioritizes the promotion of Greece as a study destination, international academic and cultural cooperation, and attraction and retention of international talent in the country.  

The Summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the “Milan Declaration – Common Statement of Agencies supporting the internationalization of Higher Education” that will be included in the Summit proceedings.  Participants also agreed on a joint publication “The Impact of International Students on the Job Market”, edited by Uni-Italia presenting the national agencies support in reinforcing the link between education and global employment.