The UNESCO General Conference 2025, taking place from 30 October - 13 November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, gathers representatives from UNESCO Member States, partner organizations, and stakeholders from around the world. The General Conference serves as UNESCO’s highest governing body, providing a forum for strategic discussions, the adoption of the Organisation’s programme and budget, and the election of its leadership. This year, the event is particularly significant as it marks both the conclusion of Audrey Azoulay’s term as Director-General and the election of Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz as the new Director-General.

The International Association of Universities (IAU) is proud to actively participate in this landmark gathering. The IAU has a long-standing partnership with UNESCO and is committed to representing the global higher education community in international policy discussions. At this year’s Conference, the IAU is represented by Secretary General Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, who brings the perspectives and concerns of universities worldwide to the table, ensuring that the voices of higher education institutions are heard in discussions on global education, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development.

Speech by IAU Secretary General

On 5 November, Dr. van’t Land delivered a speech at the General Conference, emphasizing the critical role of universities in addressing global challenges and advancing UNESCO’s mission. Her speech highlighted the enduring partnership between the IAU and UNESCO, which spans 75 years. In her address, Dr. van’t Land moreover emphasized the crucial role of universities in fostering social progress, economic growth, and sustainable development, particularly at a time when higher education faces increasing scrutiny regarding relevance, impact, and credibility. Dr. van’t Land concluded by stressing the urgent need to renew trust in higher education, calling on governments to support universities politically, financially, and culturally to enable societies to educate citizens equipped to address global challenges. The full speech is available to read here.

Welcoming New Leadership and Looking Ahead

The IAU also extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, elected as UNESCO’s new Director-General. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for global education and international collaboration, and the IAU looks forward to continuing its work with UNESCO under his guidance to strengthen higher education worldwide. At the same time, the Association recognizes the outstanding leadership of Audrey Azoulay, who has completed an exceptional term as Director-General. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements in education, culture, and science. The IAU thanks Ms. Azoulay for her dedication and visionary leadership.

Beyond formal speeches and high-level meetings, the General Conference provides a unique opportunity for dialogue, networking, and collaboration between UNESCO representatives, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Through its participation, the IAU reaffirms its commitment to advocating for universities as key drivers of knowledge, innovation, and societal progress, and to strengthening the role of higher education in global policy discussions.

The Association’s engagement at the UNESCO General Conference underscores the importance of multilateral and intersectoral collaboration in tackling global challenges, from climate change and sustainable development to social justice and peacebuilding. By bringing together diverse voices from around the world, the General Conference reinforces the critical role of higher education in shaping an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.

The IAU looks forward to continuing its partnership with UNESCO and working closely with Member States, higher education institutions, and international partners to ensure that universities remain central to the global education agenda.