The IAU HESD Global Cluster Expert Meeting 2026, on the theme ''Building Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development'', brought together 40 higher education leaders, experts, and IAU Cluster members from around the world to advance the role of universities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting was hosted in Carthage,Tunisia, in partnership with University of Carthage, University of Manouba, and University of Sousse. Over two days, participants engaged in a dynamic programme designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and co-create future strategies.
Day 1 featured an opening session, two panel discussions, and interactive world-café style group work sessions. These exchanges highlighted the need for universities to act as catalysts for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies through partnerships, innovation, and institutional transformation. The opening session highlighted the urgency of collective action as institutions work toward the 2030 Agenda and prepare for the challenges beyond. Speakers emphasized that universities must go beyond their traditional roles of teaching and research to become active drivers of societal transformation. Through global partnerships, innovation, and institutional change, higher education can help build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies. Collaboration, particularly aligned with SDG17, was identified as a key enabler for progress across all goals.
Day 2 focused on a collaborative work session to develop a common Cluster action plan, followed by a workshop on the whole-institution approach to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The workshop aimed to take stock of the IAU Global Cluster’s progress in 2026, share promising practices for integrating SDGs across university functions, and strengthen members’ capacity for effective sustainability action. Participants also contributed to shaping positions for the 2027 UN SDG 4 review and explored higher education’s role in a post-2030 agenda, in alignment with UNESCO’s new World Higher Education Roadmap.
Key outcomes include the development of a joint action plan for the IAU HESD Clusters, and using the discussions from the workshop as foundation, a position paper will be drafted to inform the 2026 UN HLPF, the World Conference on ESD in early 2027, and the 2027 SDG 4 review. As a whole, the meeting facilitated strengthened partnerships, and enhanced visibility and alignment of collective efforts toward the 2030 Agenda.
More information about the meeting can be found here