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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, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the IAU continues to regularly conduct virtual Global Meetings of Associations. Three such meetings took place between April and June 2021. The GMAs aim to offer a forum for discussion and exchange, bringing together several university Associations and Organisations, Members of the IAU, to discuss the challenges they face and opportunities seized. In addition, the meetings allow to boost international cooperation and develop joint initiatives. The next virtual GMA will take place in September 2021, while the next in-person meeting is expected to be held in 2022.
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.
Transforming higher education for the future
PUEBLA, MEXICO
International Conference; Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2018
Higher Education Partnerships for Societal Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
International Conference
2017
Leadership for a changing public-private higher education funding landscape
Accra, Ghana
International Conference; Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2016
Higher Education: A catalyst for innovative and sustainable societies
Bangkok, Thailand
General Conference
2015
Social innovation: challenges and prospects for higher education
Montreal, Canada
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2015
Internationalization of Higher Education: Moving beyond mobility
Siena, Italy
International Conference
2014
Blending Higher Education and Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Iquitos, Peru
International Conference
2013
Institutional Diversity in Higher Education: Advantage or Threat for Associations?
Salford, United Kingdom
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2012
Higher Education and the Global Agenda – Alternative Paths to the Future
San Juan, Puerto Rico
General Conference
2011
Internationalization of Higher Education: New Players, New Approaches
New Delhi, India
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2011
Strategies for Securing Equity in Access and Success in Higher Education
Kenyatta, Kenya
International Conference
2010
Ethics and Values in Higher Education in the Era of Globalization: What Role for the Disciplines?
Vilnius, Lithuania
International Conference
2009
Associations, Networks, Alliances etc.: Making Sense of the Emerging Global Higher Education Landscape
Guadalajara, Mexico
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2009
The Role of Higher Education in Fostering the Culture of Dialogue and Understanding
ZOUK MOSBEH, LEBANON
International Conference
2008
Higher Education and Research Addressing Local and Global Needs
Utrecht, The Netherlands
General Conference
2007
Knowledge and Relevant Human Resource Development
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
International Conference
2006
Internationalization of Higher Education: New Directions, New Challenges
Beijing, China
International Conference
2006
The Role of associations in enhancing quality of higher education at home and abroad
Paris, France
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2005
Sharing Quality Higher Education Across Borders: Role of Associations and Institutions
Alexandria, Egypt
Global Meeting of Associations (GMA)
2005
Sharing Quality Higher Education Across Borders: The Role of Associations and Institutions
Alexandria, Egypt
International Conference
2004
The Wealth and Diversity: The Role of Universities in Promoting Dialogue and Development
São Paulo, Brazil
General Conference
2003
Women and Leadership in Higher Education-How Thick is the Glass Ceiling?
Monterrey, Mexico
2003
Education for a Sustainable Future
Prague, Czech Republic
International Conference
2002
Internationalisation of Higher Education: Policy and Practice
Lyon, France
2002
Globalisation: What Issues are at Stake for Universities?
Quebec City, Canada
2001
Academic Freedom and University Autonomy
Mexico City, Mexico
2000
Universities: Gateway to the Future
Durban, South Africa
General Conference
1997
Universities Responsibilities to Society
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
1996
Academic Freedom and University Autonomy
St. Petersburg, Russia
1996
The Role of International Organizations in Higher Education
Los Angeles, U.S.A
1995
Global Civilization and Cultural Roots: Bridging the Gap – The Place of International University Cooperation
New Delhi, India
1994
Migration of Brains: International Cooperation and the Mobility of Highly Qualified Manpower
Tianjin, China
1994
International Cooperation in Higher Education and the Universities in Latin America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
1993
The European Challenge: The Implications of European Integration for International Collaboration between Universities
Coimbra, Portugal - Salamanca, Spain
1993
The Role of Universities in the 21st Century
1992
The Meeting of Cultures: The Latin American Universities in a Global Knowledge Network
Bogotá, Columbia
1992
Adaptation of University Management Structures and Strategies for New Requirements
Alexandria, Egypt
1991
Third Consultation Between IAU and its Associate Members
Paris, France
1991
Towards a Long Term Strategy for Financing Higher Education and Research in Developing Countries
Accra, Ghana
1991
Creating a Common Future: University Action for Sustainable Development
Halifax, Canada
1990
Universality, Diversity, Interdependence: the Missions of the University
Helsinki, Finland
1989
Second Consultation between IAU and its Associate Members
Cairo, Egypt
1989
The Responsibility of Universities for Exceptionally Gifted Students
Prague, Czech Republic
1988
International University Cooperation. A Critical Analysis: Failures, Successes, Perspectives
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1988
Consultation of University Leaders on UNESCO’s Mission and Future Activities
Bologna, Italy
1987
The Role of Higher Education in National Development
Harare, Zimbabwe
1987
Access to Higher Education
Amman, Jordan
1986
IAU and the Concept of Universality. IAU Consequences for Cooperation with its Associate Members
Toledo, Spain
1986
The Contribution of Universities to Conflict Resolutions and Education for Peace
Geneva, Switzerland
1985
The International Responsibilities of Universities
Los Angeles, U.S.A
1983
Universities and Environmental Education
Budapest, Hungary
1983
The Future of University Education
Munich, Germany
1982
Education – An Essential Ingredient of Development and the Corner-Stone of a Just Society
Delhi, India
1982
Contemporary Scientific and Technological Changes: Their Impact on the Humanities in University Education
Zagreb, Croatia
1980
The Special Role of Universities in the Development of International Cooperation
Manila, Philippines
1979
Problems of Bulgarian Higher Education in International University cooperation
Sofia, Bulgaria
1979
The Role of the University in Developing Countries
Lomé, Togo
1978
Access and Financing
Philadelphia, U.S.A
1978
The Right to Education and Access to Higher Education
Halle, Germany
1977
The Role of Universities in the Transition from Traditional to Modern Societies and The Internationalization of Higher Education
Kyoto, Japan
1977
Differing Types of Higher Education
Alexandria, Egypt
1975
Higher Education at the Approach of the Twenty-First Century
Moscow, Russia
1974
A Critical Approach to Inter-University Cooperation
Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
1973
The Social Responsibility of the University in Asian Countries - Obligations and Responsibilities
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1971
Problems of Integrated Higher Education
Constance, Germany
1970
International University Cooperation
Montreal, Canada
1965
Access to Higher Education
Tokyo, Japan
1960
The Interplay of Scientific and Cultural Values
Mexico City, Mexico
1960
Some Economic Aspects of Educational Development in Europe
Lake Como, Italy
1955
The Role of Universities in the Rapidly-evolving Society, with special Reference to the General and Professional Education of Teachers, Research Workers in the Natural Sciences, and Leaders in National Life
Istanbul, Turkey
1950
The Role of Universities in the Face of the Material and Moral Changes brought about in Contemporary Society by Scientific and Technological Progress
Nice, France
1948
UNESCO in collaboration with the Dutch Government Preparatory Conference of University Representatives, which led to the creation of the IAU
Utrecht, The Netherlands
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