Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future
IAU at the International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners: Advancing Higher Education for Africa’s Future
The IAU was proud to serve as a key partner at the recent International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners on “Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future,” held in Addis Ababa from 30 September - 2 October 2024. Convened by UNESCO and the African Union, the Forum brought together diverse actors from across the globe to explore strategies to strengthen higher education systems, advance knowledge co-creation, and support sustainable development in Africa.
IAU’s participation in the Forum underscored its ongoing commitment to supporting African institutions and contributing global perspectives to the future of higher education on the continent.
A Dedicated Session on Higher Education and Doctoral Training in Africa
A major highlight of IAU’s involvement was the convening of the session: “Stronger Higher Education and Impactful Doctoral Education for a Stronger African Continent.”
Moderated by IAU Secretary General Hilligje van’t Land and IAU Board Member Wondwosen Tamirat, President of St. Mary’s University, Ethiopia, the panel brought together distinguished academic leaders and IAU Board Members:
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana
Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Nigeria
Prof. Sunungurai Chingarande, Vice Chancellor, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe
Prof. Jouhaina Gherib, Former President, Université de La Manouba, Tunisia, and UNESCO Chair on Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Africa
The session emphasized the need to expand the reach, relevance, and impact of doctoral education systems across Africa and explored how institutions can be empowered to define research agendas that are locally grounded yet globally connected. Speakers also addressed the systemic reforms and international cooperation needed to ensure equitable and meaningful higher education opportunities throughout the continent.
IAU’s Broader Engagement and Global Membership
In addition to leading this high-level session, IAU representatives and Member Institutions actively contributed to a range of other discussions throughout the Forum. Key themes included:
Strengthening doctoral education frameworks aligned with African priorities
Enhancing access to and inclusion of non-formal knowledge systems
Improving data ecosystems to support institutional planning and policy formulation
Ensuring the sustainable financing of African higher education institutions
Reinforcing institutional resilience through international cooperation
IAU was also pleased to see its global network of Members well represented at the Forum, not only from Africa but from institutions across Asia, North America, and Europe.
A Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Action
The Forum served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and co-creation of transformative initiatives that will shape the future of knowledge systems in Africa. By bringing together UNESCO Chairs, universities, and higher education experts, the event reaffirmed the importance of collaborative leadership and context-responsive solutions to tackle shared challenges.
IAU remains committed to fostering inclusive, innovative, and sustainable higher education systems across Africa and around the world. We thank UNESCO and the African Union for their leadership and look forward to continued collaboration with our Members and partners in building stronger knowledge societies for all.
