SEA-EU Director General Fernando Pérez Peña represented the Alliance at the 4th EU–ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Higher Education in Manila, sharing its experience in international cooperation and bringing the perspective of FOREU4ALL to discussions on the future of the sustainable blue economy.
On 27–28 October 2026, SEA-EU participated in the 4th EU–ASEAN Policy Dialogue on Higher Education, held in Manila, Philippines, under the theme “Advancing Innovation and Skills for a Sustainable Blue Economy.” The event was organised through the EU-funded SCOPE-HE programme, implemented by Nuffic and DAAD in cooperation with the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Representing SEA-EU, Fernando Pérez Peña, Director General of the Alliance, contributed to the session “Connecting Regions: Enhancing Cooperation and Mobility through Higher Education and Innovation”, sharing insights from SEA-EU’s experience in building transnational university cooperation.
Connecting European and Southeast Asian Higher Education
The dialogue brought together higher education and vocational training policymakers from ASEAN countries, representatives of the European Union and its Member States, universities, industry stakeholders and students. Discussions focused on how higher education can support the development of a sustainable blue economy through skills development, research, innovation and international cooperation. The outcomes will contribute to the Manila Policy Brief, a set of policy recommendations for relevant stakeholders.
As a European University Alliance connecting nine universities across maritime regions of Europe, SEA-EU offers valuable experience in joint academic programmes, international mobility, collaborative research and cooperation with coastal communities, ports and cities. Its participation highlighted how the European Universities Initiative can contribute to broader international partnerships and provide inspiration for new models of cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Bringing the Voice of European University Alliances through FOREU4ALL
Fernando Pérez Peña also participated in his capacity as Vice-President of the FOREU4ALL Forum Board. Supported by the European Commission, FOREU4ALL brings together European University Alliances to strengthen collaboration, exchange experiences and contribute to policy dialogue on the future of European higher education. “For the University of Cádiz, this is an opportunity to show that what we are building within SEA-EU has value beyond Europe. The blue economy needs universities working together in networks, and European alliances have much to contribute to that conversation,” Pérez Peña stated.
SEA-EU’s participation in Manila reinforces the Alliance’s growing international visibility and demonstrates the potential of European university cooperation to contribute to global challenges, particularly those linked to ocean sustainability, maritime innovation and the development of blue skills.
