About IAU
Founded in 1950, under the auspices of UNESCO, the International Association of Universities (IAU) is the leading global association of higher education institutions and organisations from around the world. The IAU is an independent, non-governmental, membership organization. IAU Membership is open to higher education institutions (HEIs) and organisations.
As a global forum for leaders of institutions and associations, the IAU convenes and connects almost 600 Members from more than 120 countries to identify, reflect and act on common priorities. It acts as the global voice of higher education to a wide range of international and inter-governmental organizations, in particular to UNESCO. Members benefit from a wide range of services on a priority basis. The IAU works with a wide range other HE stakeholders, such as organisations, institutions, higher education authorities, policy and decision-makers, specialists, administrators, teachers, researchers, and students.
The IAU is an official partner of UNESCO (Associate status) and has been given special consultative status by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The IAU was granted the participatory status with the Council of Europe.
Vision &
Mission
Vision
As the global voice of higher education, IAU will be the most influential and representative global association of diverse higher education institutions and their organisations, advocating for and advancing a dynamic leadership role for higher education in society. By promoting and enhancing the capacity of higher education to transform lives, build agency, connect diverse peoples, generate and disseminate new knowledge, create insights and find sustainable solutions to local and global challenges, we aim to contribute to peace and human development.
Mission
By articulating the fundamental values and principles that underpin education and the pursuit, dissemination and application of knowledge, the Association leads and advocates for the development of higher education policies and practices that respect diverse perspectives, promote social responsibility, and contribute to the development of a sustainable future.
IAU serves as a think tank and forum for the development of new approaches, the sharing of best practice and the undertaking of joint action, encouraging and facilitating innovation, mutual learning, and cooperation among higher education institutions around the world.
Values
IAU promotes core values among its Members and the wider higher education community. These values are:
Academic freedom, institutional autonomy and social responsibility locally and globally
Cooperation and solidarity based on mutuality of interests and shared benefits
Tolerance of divergent opinions, freedom from political interference
Equity in access and success in higher education and open access to knowledge
Scientific integrity and ethical behaviour as cornerstones of conduct for all stakeholders in higher education
Higher education and research in the public interest
Quality in learning, research and outreach
Strategy
The very mission of universities is to help us better understand the world we live in, and education, research, and community engagement should all be geared toward generating a better future for everyone. There is a need for a global movement to reinvigorate and redefine the public purpose of universities as a common good. Together, universities and other higher education institutions shape, transform, and contribute to building more democratic, just, and sustainable societies. Higher education is therefore a key stakeholder in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Transforming Our World.