Leading Through Transition: A message from the EMA President

To the EMA Community - Moving forward, Together

Dear EMA Members,

The past few weeks have tested EMA in ways we didn’t anticipate. I write to you today not only as your President, but as a fellow member of this community who believes deeply in its strength and resilience.

When I first joined EMA as a volunteer for the eSmart project, and later as Director of the Project Support Unit, I was struck by the warmth, diversity, and purpose that define our community. That early welcome made EMA feel like home, a place where people uplift one another and lead with care. At that moment, I didn’t imagine yet that the power of my determination to serve EMA would bring me to the President, but your trust made that possible. It’s an honour I hold deeply.

Over the past weeks, I’ve focused on stabilising EMA during a challenging transition. EMA’s 2025–2027 Management Board was selected by a 16-member Selection Committee (SC) formed under Article 10.2 of our Statutes by the then-incumbent Presidency. This diverse and experienced team, including former Presidents and independent experts, reviewed 47 applications and conducted 43 interviews over two weeks. Their final decisions on 28 June followed structured evaluations and open deliberations.

The new Board took office on 1 July, as outlined in our Statutes. Since then, we’ve been working to ensure operational continuity, advance Erasmus+ projects, and engage partners and stakeholders, all while navigating an unexpectedly turbulent transition.

We must do better - for EMA, and for each other.

Even before taking office as President, I began asking difficult questions - about transition, finances, accountability, governance, and transparency - because I care deeply about this association and its health. What I didn’t anticipate was the personal toll: from persistent resistance to moments that challenged the boundaries of  respectful dialogue. I share this not to centre myself, but because how we treat each other - especially in times of change - sets the tone for the entire community. I also recognise that strong leadership, especially when exercised by women, is often held to a different standard. That makes our shared commitment to fairness even more essential.

This is why I remain committed to moving forward with clarity, calm, and care. And why we’re taking the following steps:

• Financial accountability: An external financial audit, covering the last four years, is being initiated. This is part of our broader effort to strengthen governance and ensure EMA’s credibility with funders and partners. Just last week, EMA received its first-ever Key Action 2 project as a coordinator, a milestone that reflects our growing institutional capacity.

• Safer volunteering spaces: Every volunteer, regardless of role, should feel valued, respected, and protected from intimidation or exclusion.

• Reconnecting the community: Several open roles remain, and new project opportunities are underway. I warmly encourage you to apply and take part.

• Open dialogue: Next month, I will host a Q&A webinar. You will receive a form to submit questions in advance, so we can ensure the space is meaningful, respectful, and solution-focused.

  
  

I understand that there are differing perspectives being shared - some of which have caused confusion, concern, and division. I hear you. But I also ask that we seek facts before forming conclusions. What we build together matters more than what divides us.

Let’s remember who we are.

EMA is more than a board cycle. It is a community nearly two decades strong, built by students, alumni, and volunteers from across the world. Let us not allow a moment of disruption to define our legacy or derail our progress.

There will be questions. There will be differing views. But if we stay rooted in our mission and open to one another, we will emerge stronger.

As we approach EMA’s 20th anniversary next year, let’s ensure this milestone is not just a celebration of the past, but a renewed commitment to the values that will carry us forward.

Thank you for your time, your trust, and your belief in this community. It is an honour to walk this road with you, and to lead with courage, clarity, and care.

Warmly,

Adv. Marvi Qazi

EMA President

Disclaimer: This message reflects my commitment to transparency, respect, and institutional responsibility. I welcome open dialogue and remain available for constructive engagement.