Promoting Internationalisation - University of Bern's Initiative Afrique
In 2023, the the Vice-Rectorate of Research and Innovation and the Vice-Rectorate of International and Academic Careers at the University of Bern (UniBE) developed Initiative Afrique to increase internationalisation and global cooperation. Promoting science and fostering global research network, especially relationships with African institutions, is a long-standing engagement of UniBE, and when they introduced their 2030 strategy, which holds internationalisation as its core focus, partnering with African universities and researchers remained a priority.
Initiative Afrique serves as a central platform that brings together Africa-related projects, networks and expertise across the institution and allows researchers and academics to share, discuss, and promote research and projects. Within the frame of Initiative Afrique, UniBE and its partners host webinars, lectures, and discussions on current projects, many of which contribute to the achievement of the SDGs . Moreover, the initiative communicates ongoing engagements through a newsletter and a podcast, which gives voice to African researchers, academics, and students. In 2025, the initiative also launched a biannual journal, titled Language Policy in Africa, with the objective of supporting African development in a decolonisation context. The journal is peer reviewed, and available with Open Access here.
Through these efforts, University of Bern enhances the University’s global research footprint and builds intercultural understanding and empowers young researchers, contributing concretely to sustainable development goals that require cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing.
For more information:
- Listen to the Initiative Afrique Podcast Series here.
- Learn more about Initiative Afrique here.
- Read the latest volume of the journal Language Policy in Africa here.