International Association of Universities (IAU)

International Association of Universities (IAU)

1 rue Miollis

UNESCO House

75015 Paris

France www.iau-aiu.net

Mission

The International Association of Universities (IAU) is an international NGO with official associate status with UNESCO, that recognizes the key role higher education plays in the overall process of achieving sustainable development.

Download the leaflet IAU for HESD.

Contacts for sustainable development activities

Hilligje van 't Land, Secretary General
E-mail: h.vantland[@]iau-aiu.net

Isabel Toman, Programme Officer
E-mail: i.toman[@]iau-aiu.net

Latest update: 09/11/2023

Actions towards sustainability for this organisation

News for this organisation

IAU Partners with UWN on the SDGs Hub
The IAU and University World News have partnered to support the work of universities by providing them with adequate and constructive visibility though the UWN’s SDGs Hub. Read more
IAU HESD Activity Report 2022-23 available now
Discover the recent actions from the network in the annual Cluster activity report! Read more
Recording available - Webinar on Community and partnership-based approaches to capacity building in the water sector
The world is not on track to achieve SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, with significant challenges remaining in almost every country on earth. Read more
HLPF Session 9: "SDG 11: Progress, challenges, lessons learned and tools for sustainable transformation of cities"
Urbanisation is undoubtedly one of the major global trends of this century. How we govern, plan, and design our cities and urban communities impacts the realisation of human rights for all and how the growing urban inequalities are addressed. Read more
ANGEL Conference 2023
Conceived as a major, internationally focused gathering, the ANGEL Conference 2023 aims to bring together interested parties from all backgrounds for two exciting days of sessions showcasing and discussing research, projects, and new developments c Read more
The #ARC9 Report on “Asia-Europe Higher Education Mapping: Working Towards the SDGs" and the recording of the launch are now available online!
The 9th edition of ARC (ARC9) explores and maps both higher education policies and higher education institution practices across Asia and Europe that contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read more
Higher Education at UN Water Conference 2023
Higher Education and Research are crucial for SDG 6 and all SDGs Read more
ESD-Net 2030 Learning Webinar on ESD Pedagogies - Recordings Available!
To promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual learning ESD-Net 2030 is organizing a series of learning webinars in March, May and September 2023 on ESD pedagogy to highlight and promote innovative practices in ESD. Read more
Watch the EWORA & IAU webinar on Higher Education, Gender and Equity
A day before International Women's day 2023, IAU and EWORA have partnered for a discussion on higher education's role for SDG 5 and equity Read more
Accelerating Action for the SDGs - Read the Report of the 3rd IAU Global Survey on HESD now
IAU and partners launched the Report with data from 464 HEIs in a webinar on 31 January Read more
Join World Climate Day 8 December 2022
IAU joins World Climate Day on 8th December at 14h CET, organised by the Green office at the University of Liège (Belgium), in partnership with AUF Read more
IAU at the HEInnovate – Embedding SDGs in HE practices
IAU was invited to speak at a webinar on how innovation can foster practices for the SDGs - article and recording available now Read more
IAU General Conference 2022 - UCD Dublin
Register now and join the discussion on Relevance and Value of Universities to Future Society Read more
International Green Gown Awards 2022 - winners announced
Find out about the winning institutions and projects that made an impact for Sustainability in higher education! Read more
The New IAU Global Cluster Report is published
Activity of 2021-2022 Read more
Higher Education’s Role in securing a sustainable future: we need to act & transform now - Insights from the discussion at the Unesco WHEC22
Reinventing Higher Education in 2022 for the future Read more
Webinar: Exploring the nexus between health, equity, and gender
Organised by IAU and UOC (Open University of Catalonia) - Watch the recording now! Read more
The IAU Global Cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD)
Outputs of the 2022 Meeting: The IAU HESD statement and the Strategy and Working Plan 2022-2024 Read more
Annoncement of the 2022 International Green Gown Awards Finalists
Meet the 2022 finalists ! Read more
UN Ocean Conference 2022
From 27th of June 27 to 1st of July, governments, academia and other stakeholders will get together for the UN Ocean Conference. IAU and UiB will advocate for Higher Education and SDG 14 Read more
SOTG 2022 - Call for Participation of Youth Engagement Program
Sustainable on the Go Youth Engagement Program - deadline for applications extended to 3 June Read more
IAU HESD Survey 2022 – Accelerating Action for the SDGs
[survey closed] Read more
HESI+10 Global Forum
Role of higher education in building back better from COVID-19 and advancing the 2030 Agenda Read more
2022 OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum
“Reclaiming our future through education on ethics and integrity” on 1st April , 11.30-1pm CEST . Read more
IAU - UNEP-YEA! Connecting Higher Education and the Green Economy Community: Workforce Development for the Clean Energy Transition and Climate Solutions
Recording available! Sign up for follow up activities Read more
HIGHER EDUCATION AND SDG 14: Integrating Ocean Research for the Global Goals
Discover the publication with papers on SDG14 collected by the University of Bergen and IAU! Read more
IAU Horizons on Leadership for a Sustainable Future
Discover the magazine with 34 diverse and innovative contributions in the 'In Focus' section on sustainability from IAU Members and Partners! Read more
Publication launched! Higher Education Engages with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Discover the publication launched during the webinar on 23 November! Read more
Joint paper - IAU HESD Cluster on SDG 4
The paper "A whole-institution approach towards sustainability: a crucial aspect of higher education’s individual and collective engagement with the SDGs and beyond" with contributions from the IAU HESD Cluster has just been published. Read more
The Promise of Higher Education: Essays in Honour of 70 Years of IAU
Download your free copy of this unique publication and join the discussion at the launch events! Read more
[recording available] IAU HESD at the 9th World Sustainability Forum 2021
IAU organised a virtual session on HigherEd and SDGs on 13 September Read more
IAU and OSB at SANORD Conference 2021
7-10 September 2021 - IAU and OSB session on 9 September Read more
Universities calling for more innovation, transformation and collaboration for SDG 12 and Agenda 2030: A discussion with the IAU HESD Cluster
During the UN High-Level Political Forum 2021, the International Association of Universities (IAU) organized a virtual event with the SDG 12 Cluster network on: “Transformative Innovation and Collaboration for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Prod Read more
The International Green Gown Awards 2021 Winners are announced !
The winners of the 2021 International Green Gown Awards were announced virtually during the UN HLPF on 7th July 2021. Read more
[recording available] Webinar 13 July: Transformative Innovation and Collaboration for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production at Universities
The webinar was organized with the IAU HESD Cluster on SDG 12 and connects to the UN HLPF 2021 Read more
HLPF 2021 SDGs Learning, Training and Practice Workshops
All recordings, including session 9 co-organized by IAU, are online. Read more
The 2021 Gothenburg International Research Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 8
26-27 August 2021 - topics related to SDG8 such as sustainable & inclusive economic growth, employment & decent work for all, and more were discussed Read more
IAU at the UN High-Level Political Forum 2021!
The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the yearly conference of the United Nations where governments, UN Agencies and civil society come together to discuss the achievements that have been made towards Agenda 2030. Read more
Launch of the MECCE Project’s Regional Hub Network
Regional Hub membership is open to anyone with an interest in climate change communication and education. Read more
UNICA-IAU Webinar: Higher Education leadership practices and leaders for a sustainable future
Watch the recording now! Read more
[Recording available] IAU session at the UNESCO - World Conference: Putting ESD into action - in Higher Education
The session co-organized by IAU addressed Higher Education's role for ESD Read more
(Recording available) IAU Webinar: Acting and Educating for Sustainable Development at Universities
Watch the discussion with experts from Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Read more
Earth Day 2021
As the world returns to normal, we can't go back to business as usual. Time for Higher Education to also take action for the planet. Read more
Joint Statement of Global University Leaders on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
On the occasion of the Virtual Forum on the Role of Universities in the 2030 Agenda held March 24, 2021, with IAU as co-organizers, no less than 58 university leaders from across different continents reaffirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda and Read more
Article IAU&UAN: Thinking globally and acting locally: Implementing the SDGs in higher education institutions and their associations. A collaborative experience
Together with Antonio Nariño University, SDG2 Lead from the IAU Cluster, IAU contributed recently to the UNESCO- IESALC Journal "ESS" Read more
International Women's Day 2021: IAU launches new Publication on SDG 5 Gender Equality
8 March 2021: The free online publication prepared with the University of Bologna collected University actions towards SDG 5 Read more
International Women’s Day 2021 – “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”
International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March 2021 (IWD 2021) under the theme “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” declared by UN Women Read more
Higher Education and IAU at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development
17 to 19 May 2021- IAU and UNESCO organized a session on the role of Higher Education for the SDGs Read more
[closed] CALL FOR PAPERS: IAU – E4J Grants Programme for Young Researchers
IAU and UNODC are launching a joint call for papers for young researchers working on issues related to SDG 16: peace, justice and strong institutions Read more
Social Impact and IAU HESD Cluster Members
IAU HESD Cluster leads Siam University, Thailand, and Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, recently presented their work with the SDGs and social impact during an online event Read more
IAU and Members at the UNODC E4J dialogue series
From 2-4 December 2020, IAU and Members took an active part in the UNODC E4J dialogue series. Recordings of sessions are now available. Read more
Joint MCO and IAU webinar on Sustainability - Recording available
On Dec. 15 2020, the Magna Charta Observatory and International Association co-organized a webinar on "Fostering sustainable development: the Role of higher education - plans, progress and values" Read more
IAU and UNODC E4J Dialogue Series 1-4 December 2020
IAU and Cluster Members are co-organizing a session on SDG16 and Higher Education Read more
Sustainable on the Go Conference - York University
Read the Conference Declaration and watch the recordings of this event Read more
IAU is a partner in the MECCE project
The Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education (MECCE) Project was launched with the first virtual meeting of the project partners in September 2020. Read more
Recording and Summary available: Webinar on SDG 3 Health - UOC and IAU Cluster
The Open University of Catalonia and the International Associaton of Universities co-organized a webinar on Tuesday, 27th October, 14.30-16.00 CST (Paris/Barcelona) on "Higher education under examination: are we ready to train the future healthc Read more
Deadline extended: Call for contributions - Higher Education engages with SDG 14: Life below water
The International Association of Universities (IAU) and the University of Bergen (UiB) will jointly produce a publication on SDG 14, life below water, to show how universities engage in science and higher education. Read more
IAU Webinar Series on the Future of Higher Education
This fall, IAU is organizing a weekly webinar series, with international experts as guests and topics on Sustainable Development, Internationalization, Leadership, Technology and challenges for universities in times of COVID19. Read more
IAU HESD Cluster and UN Global Goals Week 18-26 September 2020
Join the Global Goals week 18-26 September - share your initiatives for the SDGs with the IAU network! Read more
ProSPER.Net Webinar on Sustainability in Higher Education
The webinar will take place on Friday, 16 October, 2020, 3-5 p.m. JST (8-10a.m. CEST). IAU Secretary General, Dr. Hilligje van't Land, will be among the speakers discussing the engagement of higher education with sustainability. Read more
Podcast IAU-UNODC The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and higher education
IAU is pleased to be represented by IAU Secretary General, Dr Hilligje van't Land, in the first episode of a podcast series by UNODC on the SDGs and academia. Read more
IAU SDG 12 Cluster and IAU President join virtual Conference hosted by Moi University
From the 12th to 14th of August, 2020, the Virtual International Conference on Phytochemistry, Textile & Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development, hosted by Moi University, Kenya, took place. Read more
UNFCCC & UNESCO launching Action for Climate Empowerment dialogue
Education, Climate Action and Empowerment are discussed by actors from different governments, organisations, and other stakeholders. IAU joined the regional dialogue for Europe and Central Asia on 29 July 2020 Read more
A partnership for the higher education sector
During the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2020, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), and the International Association of Universities (IAU) have formalised their collaboration t Read more
AUF, ACU and IAU share virtual exhibiton for the HLPF 2020
This virtual exhibition is organized by the partner associations International Association of Universities (IAU), l’Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) & the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Read more
2020 HLPF UN DESA/UNITAR SDGs Learning, Training and Practice Workshop
IAU/AUF/ACU, jointly with partners ICAE and the SDG Academy, will offer a virtual workshop titled: "Teaching, Learning and Integrating the SDGs at universities and beyond - Linking to the Decade of Action" at the High-Level-Political Forum Read more
Webinar “Reaching Sustainable Development Goals: universities and students looking for solutions" on Friday 5 June 2020
University PSL and the British Council are jointly launching a webinar entitled “Reaching Sustainable Development Goals: universities and students looking for solutions” on Friday 5 June 2020 Read more
Webinar "Hunger Zero : A new Green Revolution" is held by Antonio Nariño University
Antonio Nariño University (IAU Cluster Lead for SDG 2, Colombia) is organizing a webinar entitled "Hunger Zero : A new Green Revolution" which will take place on Thursday 21st May, as part of its Webinar series on SDG2. Read more
Latest Strategic Framework from University of Tehran is now available
The University of Tehran (Iran) has just presented its latest strategic framework for Involvement of Higher Education Institutions in SDG 6. Read more
IAU 2nd Global Survey Report on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development: Executive Summaries now available in Spanish and French
The Executive Summary of IAU's 2nd Global Survey Report on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) is now available in Spanish and French versions. Read more
IAU signs partnership agreement for the 8th World Sustainability Forum
[UPDATE 20.04.20: WSF 2020 will be a virtual meeting - conference postponed to 2021] IAU is happy to be partnering with the WSF 2020 Read more
IAU calls for more cooperation to push sustainable development agenda
In relation to the recent publication of its report on the Second Global Survey on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development, the IAU commented on the importance of collaboration and within and between Higher Education Institutions fo Read more
International Green Gown Awards 2020
The International Green Gown Awards are supported by UN Environment and are open to any university or college across the world. The 2020 Awards cycle is now open and will close on 31 March 2020. Read more
IAU, ACU and AUF strengthen joint collaboration to advance higher education
The International Association of Universities (IAU), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) have agreed to strengthen joint collaboration to advance and promote the contribution of hi Read more
IAU Workshop at the UN High Level Political Forum (2019)
IAU organised a workshop during the HLPF at the United Nations in New York. The full video is now available online. Read more
Letter from Peter Thomson To Leaders of Universities and other Higher Education Institutions around the World
The Former President of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, reached out to the IAU to jointly call on leaders of all higher education institutions to embrace the SDGs and embed them in their institutional strategy. Read more
SDG Accord report launch
The SDG Accord currently has over 600 signatories, including 64 institutions representing 1.28 million students and nearly 100 global education sector networks representing 6000 institutions. Read more
IAU joined the International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals: Actors and Implementation
On September 18-19, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia hosted the International Conference on SDGs organized by the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi). IAU Secretary General, Dr. Hilligje van't Land, was one of the speaker. Read more
The SDG Accord: the University and College Sector’s Collective Response to the SDGs
The International Association of Universities is a founding endorsing partner of the SDG Accord. Read more
Higher Education Paving the Way to Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective
The IAU launches the report of its 2016 global survey on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD). Read more
IAU at the G7 University Summit “University Education for All. Actions for a sustainable future”
IAU represented by Prof. Stephen Freedman, IAU Board Member and Provost Fordham University, USA, attended G7 University Summit on “University Education for All. Actions for a sustainable future” in Udine, Italy (29-30 June 2017) Read more
IAU joined the University Alliance for Sustainability Spring Campus 2017
From March 27-31 Freie Universität hosted the second Spring Campus event of the University Alliance for Sustainability on the topic “Societal Transformation to Sustainability: Universities as Pacesetters?”. IAU Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Read more
IAU 15th General Conference- Speakers’ presentations available online
From November 13 to 16, the IAU held its 15th General Conference in Bangkok which was hosted by a consortium of Thai universities. Read more
IAU/Palgrave & COPERNICUS Alliance Prizes in Higher Education Policy Research 2016-2017 Essay Competition Theme HESD: A New Academic Discipline?
Thanks to, and in partnership with, Palgrave Macmillan Ltd., publisher of the Association’s research and reference works, the International Association of Universities (IAU) and COPERNICUS Alliance (CA) are pleased to announce the 2016-2017 IAU/Palgr Read more
IAU signs a grant agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation of interest to its Members
IAU is pleased to announce the signature of a grant agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) to assist the Foundation with the development of the global outreach of the Rockefeller Bellagio Center Academic Writers in Residence Programme. Read more
IAU and COPERNICUS Alliance join forces to work on HESD
IAU and COPERNICUS Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD). Read more
IAU 15th General Conference on: Higher Education: A Catalyst for Innovative and Sustainable Societies
Come and celebrate 100 years of higher education system in Thailand and take part in a global debate on how to build more sustainable and innovative societies! Read more
The IAU President, Dzulkifli ABDUL RAZAK, presents the concept of Sejahtera
TEDx event, July 2016 Read more
First IAU Survey on HESD 2016/17
"IAU is advocating recognition and strengthening of the role higher education plays in the overall process of achieving sustainable development. Read more
Open letter to COP21 ministers – Higher Education Institutions & Climate Change
COP21 Ministers urged to partner with Universities and Colleges Read more
Colloque International Eco-Campus 3
In advance of the XXI Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP21), HESI will organize an event to take stock of progress made since Rio+20 Read more
Professional training programme on education for sustainable development
University of Zürich and IAU jointly pilot a professional training programme on Education for Sustainable Development Read more
Higher Education for Climate Change Action
IAU is pleased to draw your attention to this Conference organised by HESI and supported by the IAU. Read more
IAU Horizons 21/1 focuses on “Social Innovation: Challenges and perspectives for higher education”
Focusing on the theme of the IAU Global Meeting of Associations 6, this issue offers a variety of papers on why and how higher education fosters social innovation. Read more
IAU Horizons 20/3 focuses on "Where In The World is Higher Education in the Post-2015 Development Agenda?"
Launched at the UNESCO World Conference on ESD in Nagoya the issue offers a series of 18 papers on why higher education plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more
Post-Nagoya Summary
The UNESCO World Conference on Educations for Sustainable Development (WC-ESD) 2014 adopts The Aichi-Nagoya Declaration and the launches the Global Action Programme. Read more
Higher Education for Sustainable Development: Higher Education Beyond 2014
The IAU is pleased to report that the International Conference on Higher Education for Sustainable Development: Higher Education Beyond 2014, which took place at Nagoya University on 9 November 2014, was a great success. Read more
ESD after 2014: Launching the Global Action Programme
The Global Action Programme (GAP) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) seeks to generate and scale-up ESD action. It is intended to make a substantial contribution to the post-2015 agenda. Read more
World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development Calls for Renewed Commitment by all Countries
The World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, closed on November 12, 2014 with a declaration calling for urgent action to mainstream ESD and include ESD in the post-2015 development agenda. Read more
UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development 2014
To mark the end of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and the beginning of the Post 2015 agenda activities, UNESCO and the Government of Japan will hold the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development - Learni Read more
IAU Iquitos Statement on HESD is finalized and published online
Drafted at the IAU 2014 International Conference on Blending Higher Education and Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Development which took place at the Universdad Cientifica del Peru, in Iquitos, Peru, in March 2014 Read more
The survey on the state of higher education for sustainable development is now closed
The UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development is coming to its end and the new UN Global Action Programme on ESD is about to be launched. Read more
The state of higher education for sustainable development
The UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development is coming to its end and the new UN Global Action Programme on ESD is about to be launched. Read more
IAU Iquitos Statement on HESD for comments and suggestions
The IAU 2014 International Conference on Blending Higher Education and Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Development took place at the Universdad Cientifica del Peru, in Iquitos, Peru, from 19-21 March 2014 Read more
Invitation to the IAU 2014 International Conference
The IAU 2014 International Conference on Blending Higher Education and Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Development takes place at the Universdad Cientifica del Peru, in Iquitos, Peru, from 19-21 March 2014 Read more
IAU 14th GC focused on HESD
Under the theme "Higher Education and the Global Agenda”, the 2012 IAU GC devoted sessions to the promotion of SD by higher education Read more
Launching IAU HESD Portal
On the occasion of its 14th General Conference, the IAU will release a new portal, dedicated to sustainable development and higher education. Read more

Events for this organisation

06/29/2022 to 06/30/2022 : IAU& SDSN Workshops on the SDG Impact Assesment tool
10/25/2022 to 10/28/2022 : IAU 16th GENERAL CONFERENCE
11/25/2023 to 11/27/2023 : IAU 2023 International Conference

Publications of this organization