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Global Challenges:
The scale and urgency of today’s global challenges have never been greater. From the escalating climate crisis to widening social divides, all countries are among those most acutely affected. Through vital research and inspirational teaching, universities are already helping to build a world that is happier, healthier and more sustainable for all. But their impact is even greater when they work together. By bringing universities and individuals together from across the world, many of whom have expertise and first-hand experience in tackling these issues, the CIU offers a powerful mechanism for collaborative projects, shared knowledge, and joint action. At the same time, we campaign at the highest levels for greater recognition of higher education’s critical contribution to sustainable development – in particular its integral role in meeting all 17 SDGs.International Collaboration:
International collaboration in higher education leads to breakthroughs in knowledge, the free exchange of ideas, and enduring bonds between institutions and nations. But it begins with connections between people. For many years, the CIU has brought students, scholars, academic leaders, and university professionals together across borders to forge fruitful and mutually beneficial partnerships with far-reaching impact.
While the shared language and structures of the countries create an ease of working together, the CIU offers valuable opportunities to put this advantage to practical use. Meanwhile, our proud history of running world class global scholarship schemes gives us unique expertise and insight into the value and impact of international educational experiences.
Access and Inclusion:
When talented individuals are denied the chance to reach their potential, all of society loses out. Yet too many are still left behind. In all parts of the world, socioeconomic factors remain a major barrier to accessing higher education. Staff and students from diverse and historically marginalised backgrounds remain chronically underrepresented. Gender imbalances persist at every level. And millions will find their studies and academic careers constrained by conflict, crisis, and long-term displacement.
Tackling these disparities, and levelling the playing field, calls for equality of opportunity – to learn, to lead, to progress, and to thrive. The CIU supports this ambition through grants and initiatives that help to drive systemic change – both on campus and beyond - and by working with universities to widen access and reduce inequality.
Supporting Research:
University research changes lives for the better. It informs and enables evidence-based policymaking, yields advances in science and medicine, and finds solutions to global challenges. But for great ideas to become reality and have a real impact on the wider world, a culture in which research can thrive is essential.
This means dedicated posts and policies that support the lifecycle of research. Career development and training to help the next generation of research leaders fulfil their potential. And support to ensure that university research translates into tangible benefits to society. The CIU helps universities to achieve their research ambitions by supporting these crucial structures and processes through pioneering projects, international opportunities, and valuable platforms for exchanging best practice.
Strengthening Universities:
Strong universities are a cornerstone of strong societies, and make a vital contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of every nation. But they do so in a period of dynamic change. Globalisation, soaring demand, and the fast-changing needs of the labour market have all placed new pressures on a sector that is already rapidly expanding.
The CIU’s work in this area focuses on supporting the systems, structures, and skills that underpin the university mission - now and in the future. Through innovative platforms and projects, we connect universities across borders to help meet demand, improve performance, and build institutional capacity.
Stories of Change:
Meet the people at universities across the world who are driving change across the world. Higher education is transformative. It is the key to realising the potential of individuals, communities, and nations. From tackling plastic pollution to combatting gender-based violence, students, researchers, and staff at CIU member universities are creating waves of impact across the world, each in their own way. Our mission is to build a better world through higher education. If you have a story of change to share, please contact us via email.