Rayan Aknati Tafar, a student at the University of Valencia, represented the FORTHEM Alliance at ESA 2026, held in Strasbourg. It was a European student meeting to discuss social challenges and political proposals.
From April 20 to 23, 2026, Rayan Aknati Tafar, a student at the University of Valencia, proudly represented both this university and the FORTHEM Alliance at the European Student Assembly (ESA) in Strasbourg.
The ESA brings together students from across Europe to discuss major social challenges and contribute to the development of policy recommendations for the future of the continent. This year’s edition gathered hundreds of engaged young people and provided a dynamic space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
A voice for students and for Europe
Rayan’s participation highlights the FORTHEM Alliance’s commitment to empowering students as active agents in European society. By engaging in discussions on key issues and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, he embodied the values of openness, cooperation, and civic responsibility that define FORTHEM.
In Rayan’s own words:
"Taking part in this event has been a deeply enriching experience. Having the opportunity to speak and connect with people from all over Europe, brought together by a shared goal of defending and building a better Europe, has been truly inspiring.
What I take away from this experience, above all, are the people I have met, the dynamic atmosphere that was created, and the city itself. There is no better way to discover Strasbourg than by actively participating in the discussion on the future of Europe. As young people, I believe we have a duty to engage in dialogue, communicate, and share our ideas to contribute to the development of a more cohesive society.
Initiatives of this kind represent a great opportunity and should be accessible to all students in the alliance. Gaining new perspectives is not only personally enriching but can often be key to finding solutions to the challenges we face as a society”.
FORTHEM: a growing network
Rayan’s participation demonstrates the importance of student involvement in European-level initiatives and shows how FORTHEM students actively engage beyond their local campuses. Events such as the European Student Assembly not only amplify student voices but also strengthen ties between universities and cultures.
The University of Valencia, as a member of the FORTHEM Alliance, warmly congratulates Rayan on his contribution and encourages more students to take part in similar opportunities that promote dialogue, inclusion, and shared European values.
