QU to Host the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2023 Conference, this Month

Qatar University (QU) will host the International Association of Universities (IAU) 2023 Conference this month under the theme 'Higher Education with Impact: The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue.' The conference will be held in QU from 25-27 November, 2023.

Through dynamic sessions, with over 100 university leaders and 40 speakers, the IAU 2023 Intercultural Conference will explore how universities around the world promote and support intercultural learning and dialogue, the impact geopolitics is having on this goal, and the broader implications it has for our society.

The three main plenary sessions of the conference are on the 'Intercultural Imperative in a De-globalizing World,' 'Opening Knowledge for Humanity in an Interconnected World' and 'The Impact of Geopolitics on the Future of International Cooperation,' in addition to a number of breakout sessions.

The conference will explore how universities contribute to developing intercultural skills, fostering understanding between cultures, and creating a sense of connectedness. Additionally, participants will discuss the role of open science in promoting more open, transparent, collaborative, and inclusive scientific practices. The conference will also address the impact of geopolitical challenges on the future of international cooperation, with a focus on how higher education can counter negative trends and introduce new dynamics.

In the margins of the conference, the Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) Cluster will convene to exchange on good practices and strategic approaches forSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the different universities in the cluster. Launched in 2018, the IAU Cluster on HESD promotes the role of higher education institutions in building more sustainable societies. It is a consortium of IAU Member universities from all parts of the world, working in collaboration to develop existing and new exciting initiatives to achieve the SDGs adopted by all United Nations Member States in the framework of the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The HESD cluster encourages a holistic approach to the SDGs, promoting the whole institution approach, where institutions aim to embed sustainable development in their strategic planning, academic and organizational work.