The Grand Amphitheatre EGS/FDSP at the University of Antananarivo hosted a conference-debate on Wednesday titled "From the Classroom to Public Action with the EU: From Global Gateway to Future Opportunities." Organized at the initiative of the deans of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences (FDSP) and the Faculty of Economics-Management-Sociology (EGS), the meeting allowed students to discuss professional integration prospects, entrepreneurship, and international mobility programs.
Moderated by Dean Prof Lova Randriatavy of FDSP and Dean Prof Fano Andriamahefazafy of EGS, the conference featured interventions from Roland Kobia, EU Ambassador to Madagascar and the Comoros, and Fanja Razakaboana, president of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Madagascar (GFEM) and chair of the University of Antananarivo's board.
The meeting aimed to raise student awareness of available opportunities and prepare them for professional integration. Speakers emphasized that in today's evolving context, a diploma alone no longer guarantees employment. Experience gained through internships, projects, and civic engagement now constitute major assets.
Roland Kobia presented various EU-supported youth programs, notably Erasmus+, which enables students to pursue part of their studies abroad. He noted that approximately 150 Malagasy students benefit from this program annually. He stressed that international experiences foster open-mindedness and enrich young people's skills.
"The difference is made by experience, because everyone can get a diploma," he declared, encouraging students to develop professional networks and gain practical experience.
Fanja Razakaboana emphasized the importance of engagement and initiative. She highlighted the essential role of internships in accessing the professional world and discussed the development of a re-incubation center and support mechanisms for young people pursuing their projects.
"If young people are not inspired, how can we push them to do the same?" she asked, inviting students to believe in their potential and not wait for perfection to begin. "Don't wait to be perfect. You must dare and give yourself the means to fail," she added, noting that failure is integral to learning and building a professional path.
Through this conference-debate, the University of Antananarivo and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth toward better professional integration. The discussions highlighted a strong message: success no longer rests solely on a diploma, but also on skills, experience, and the ability to seize opportunities.