Global Events |
The General Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the Association. It meets once every four years and it is on this occasion that all IAU Members elect the IAU President as well as the Administrative Board Members and sets the strategic direction for the Association. In addition to the Business sessions for Members, the General Conference also includes a thematic programme devoted to a specific topic. The General Conference is open to all higher education stakeholders, but only representatives of IAU Member institutions and organizations can take part in decision-making and elections.
The annual IAU International Conference is a unique global platform for higher education leaders to meet, network and exchange on the development of higher education. Hosted by IAU Members, the Conference moves around the world, from region to region giving the participants access to the local university atmosphere in the host country. Each conference is devoted to a specific topic of general concern to higher education around the world. The IAU Conference is open to IAU Members and other higher education leaders and experts.
Every two years, the IAU organises a Global Meeting of Associations (GMA) exclusively for leaders of national, regional and international associations/organisations of higher education institutions. The sessions offer a unique opportunity for these leaders to meet as a relatively small group of peers to exchange ideas and best practices, and to network. The GMAs precede the annual International Conference of the year in question. IAU provides secretarial support, organises meetings in different parts of the world, drafts the minutes and coordinates joint initiatives.
In 2021 and 2022, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the IAU regularly convenes virtual Global Meetings of Associations. The GMAs offer a unique global forum for discussion and exchange, bringing together IAU Member University Associations and Organisations from around the world to discuss the challenges they face and opportunities seized. In addition, the meetings are a space for mutual learning which allows to boost international cooperation and develop joint initiatives of importance for the higher education sector and for society at large. The GMAs take place in different parts of the world on a rotational basis, facilitating better understanding and cooperation at regional and global level. They also take place online to facilitate access. The global dimension is key to developing a better future together.
The IAU is delighted to announce registration is open for the 16th IAU General Conference in Dublin on 25 – 28 October 2022. We are pleased to hold this in-person event on campus at University College Dublin. IAU, the global voice of higher education, calls on its Members and the extended global higher education community to rethink and reimagine higher education for the future at this conference.
16th IAU GENERAL CONFERENCE 2022
DATE: 25 - 28 OCTOBER 2022
PLACE: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, IRELAND
THEME: RELEVANCE AND VALUE OF UNIVERSITIES TO FUTURE SOCIETY
The theme - Relevance and Value of Universities to Future Society - is all the more pertinent in the current context as we continue to tackle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conference will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the lessons learnt and advance the role of higher education in achieving a sustainable, fair, healthy, and inclusive society.
Over the course of the Conference, we will look back and reflect on the contributions that universities have made to the society and the changes that have occurred in the higher education sector over time. We will also look towards the future and the way higher education is expected to transform in the years to come.
IAU Members will be invited to elect the new President and members of the Administrative Board for the next four years. The new strategic plan 2022-2026 will also be presented.
If you are interested in being part of the programme or have suggestions for topics of sessions/speakers, you are welcome to write to
The IAU Global Meeting of Associations, organized in cooperation with UDUAL, and IAU 2019 International Conference took place in Puebla, Mexico on 12-13 and 13-15 November 2019, hosted by the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,
Some 250 higher education leaders and experts from 60 countries came together to discuss the theme Transforming higher education for the future. Many insightful discussions took place, bringing new perspectives on the role of higher education today, the one we want for tomorrow and its relevance for societal development.
On this occasion, IAU also launched its series IAU Aiming Higher, produced by BBC StoryWorks, telling the stories of 34 IAU Members carrying out important initiatives that have positive impact on society.
➨ PRESENTATIONS
The presentations are now available on the conference website.
➨ VIDEO RECORDINGS
Watch the recordings of the IAU 2019 International Conference at BUAP online here.
It is a longstanding tradition that IAU events are hosted by its Members. Members interested in hosting an event are welcome to send an official letter to the IAU Secretary General. In case you wish to learn more about what is required in order to host an event, please contact us.
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