Leadership
Leadership is a core aspect of quality higher education, vital in enabling institutions to respond to complex challenges and social transformation. Higher education leadership must be underpinned by values and responsibility; it must also constantly evolve in order to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
It is essential that higher education institutions fully contribute to the development of sustainable and democratic societies by ensuring fair, equitable, and inclusive access to education. The IAU endeavours to strengthen the capacities of university leaders and enhance cooperation among HEIs around the world, whilst also invigorating university leadership to maximise their impact on communities at all levels.
Latest Leadership Updates
What is Higher Education Leadership?
“Leadership is a core aspect of quality higher education. It enables institutions to respond to complex institutional challenges and drive social transformation. Higher education leadership must be underpinned by values and a sense of responsibility to both their institution and society at large; leadership must constantly evolve in order to anticipate emerging challenges and grasp opportunities to bring about positive change.”
Activities and actions for Leadership at the IAU are defined in the IAU 2030 Strategy and guided by the designated Working Group.
Convening the Higher Education Community
Presidents’ Forum
The IAU Presidents’ Forum is a dedicated space convened at the IAU annual conferences to bring together higher education leaders from around the world. Designed as an exclusive, closed-door session, the Presidents’ Forum offers a unique opportunity for university leaders to engage in candid dialogue on complex issues and challenges shaping higher education today.
Thought Leadership
Thought leadership stands as a cornerstone of the IAU’s commitment to Values-Based Leadership in higher education. It is embedded in the IAU’s mission to guide leaders of universities and other higher education institutions (HEI) worldwide: Thought leadership permeates the overall work of the Association, extending into all other IAU work.
Capacity Building
Executive Leadership Programme
The IAU Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) is unique. It is radically global in its ambition to support university leaders across all higher education systems and types. The ELP empowers university leaders to navigate the contextual and political dimensions of university leadership. It focuses on common challenges and covers central aspects of higher education management for a sustainable running of the institution.
The programme starts and ends with in-person meetings and continues online throughout the year. It is designed for current or emerging heads of institutions, and participants will be awarded a learning badge after the successful completion of all modules. It is designed in modular form, and the twelve modules consist of a thematic workshop and action learning groups – separated into current and emerging leaders for real peer-to-peer engagement.
Global Advocacy
Policy Statements
The International Association of Universities (IAU) advocates for globally-engaged and value-based leadership by developing positions, producing policy statements, and actively engaging with stakeholders in higher education.
Advocacy
The IAU is pleased to advocate for higher education by representing the global community and sharing insights at prominent international events, shaping discourse and fostering collaboration across borders.