The IAU celebrates a milestone in international higher education.
On 4 May 2026, the International Association of Universities (IAU) celebrated its 75th anniversary at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event brought together ambassadors, UNESCO representatives, university associations, IAU members, and long-standing partners to reflect on the organization’s contribution to higher education. Founded under the auspices of UNESCO in 1950, the IAU was established to promote international cooperation among universities in the aftermath of the Second World War and continues to serve as a global platform for academic collaboration.
Seventy-five years of promoting academic values and global partnerships.
Throughout its history, the IAU has championed core academic values such as academic freedom, equity, quality, and social responsibility. The organization has facilitated dialogue among higher education stakeholders while addressing global challenges including access to education, sustainability, digital transformation, and the public role of universities. Today, the association represents nearly 600 members from more than 120 countries, making it one of the most representative global networks in higher education.
UNESCO and IAU reaffirm the importance of multilateral cooperation.
During the celebration, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Qun Chen emphasized the role of universities as bridges between cultures and drivers of global cooperation. IAU President Andrew Deeks highlighted the association’s unique role as a trusted forum for dialogue across diverse educational systems. Both leaders stressed that, in a context marked by geopolitical tensions and complex global challenges, international cooperation in higher education remains essential for advancing peace, understanding, and sustainable development.
Higher education faces new global challenges.
Speakers at the anniversary event underscored the need for higher education institutions to respond to issues such as climate change, technological transformation, social inequalities, and evolving workforce demands. IAU Secretary General Hilligje van’t Land noted that universities have a unique responsibility to provide independent learning environments and conduct research that contributes to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. The anniversary served as an opportunity to reaffirm higher education’s role as a global public good.
Looking ahead to the next generation of global collaboration.
Rather than serving solely as a commemoration, the 75th anniversary was presented as a call to action for the future of higher education. The IAU emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships, fostering innovation, and maintaining shared academic values in an increasingly interconnected world. As the association enters its next chapter, it aims to continue supporting universities through advocacy, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global higher education landscape.
Reference
International Association of Universities (2026, May 12). Celebrating 75 Years of Global Cooperation in Higher Education. IAU. https://iau.global/news/celebrating-75-years-of-global-cooperation-in-higher-education