On 12 and 13 February 2026, higher education professionals from across Norway gathered online for The Fundamentals: Conceptual debates, policy and programme frameworks, and targeted support, a two-part introductory session marking the launch of the newest Inclusion ACAdemy training series. The series was designed to provide structured, expert-led training on inclusion and widening participation in international programmes, supporting institutions in implementing the Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) priority of Erasmus+ 2021–2027 and beyond. 

Part 1 focused on key concepts and student groups. Aamena Meidell, Senior Partnerships Officer at De Montfort University, explored the fundamental concepts of inclusion, equity and diversity, highlighting their implications for international student mobility. Valerie Mertens, Project Officer at the Support Centre for Inclusive Higher Education (SIHO), examined what inclusive mobility means in practice and how institutions can move from principles to implementation. Neli Kalinova-Schmieder, Project and Policy Officer at the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), presented findings from the DIEM project, shedding light on the barriers experienced by different student groups and identifying areas for targeted action. The session concluded with a discussion and Q&A among speakers and participants. 

Part 2 provided an overview of policy frameworks at European, national and institutional levels. Valerie Mertens presented the Principles and Guidelines on the Social Dimension within the Bologna Process, situating inclusion within broader European higher education reforms. Petra Habulin-Musladin, Adviser at the SALTO Resource Centre for Inclusion and Diversity in Education and Training (hosted by AMEUP), outlined the Inclusion and Diversity priority under Erasmus+ and the support tools available to institutions. Martin Bogdan also introduced a practical resource on establishing the role of an Inclusion Officer within higher education institutions, emphasising the strategic importance of this function in embedding inclusion across mobility structures. Aurora Fjelde Hårtveit, Adviser at the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), presented national policies and practices in Norway. She was joined by Jennie Helene Kraft Sandstad, Senior Adviser at the International Relations Office of the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), for a discussion on strategic approaches to inclusion and diversity in the Norwegian context. The session was concluded with an interactive Q&A. 

The Inclusion ACAdemy is coordinated by ACA in cooperation with SIHO and in close coordination with the Norwegian National Agency HK-dir. By bringing together experts from national agencies, universities, student organisations and support structures, the initiative strengthened institutional capacity and fostered a shared understanding of how to make international mobility more inclusive and equitable. The next sessions will take place throughout the first half of 2026.