Global Meeting of Associations 2025

24 October in Kigali, Rwanda

About the GMA

 

IAU Global Meetings of Associations (GMA) are held every two years. They are organized exclusively for leaders of national, regional, and international associations or organizations of higher education institutions. These meetings offer a unique opportunity for leaders to meet as a relatively small group of peers to exchange ideas, share practices and network.

GMAs are held in conjunction with IAU International Conferences and both events share the same theme in order to discuss it from the perspectives of Associations and individual institutions. 

The cost of participating in the GMA is 100 EUR.

Host & Partner:

The GMA 2025 will be hosted by and organised in partnership with the University of Rwanda.

Topic:

The topic of the 2025 GMA is the role of associations in building trust in higher education. The full concept note can be accessed here.

The GMA will begin with a keynote presentation by Prof. Olusola B. Oyewole, Secretary General of the African Association of Universities (AAU) who will present thier work in building trust in higher education in the African regional context, among regional organizations, national government and society at large.

The keynote speech will be followed by a panel composed of representatives from associations from different regions of the world to discuss how building trust in higher education takes different forms in different contexts. The panel will showcase how such building of trust is an integral part of each association’s work and how such work contributes to fostering trust in the higher education sector.

After the panel presentations, participants will have the opportunity to debate and exchange views with the panellists and among themselves. At the end of the day, key outcomes of the discussions will be summarized to conclude the meeting and outline the way forward.

IAU GMA 2019

Programme

 

Friday 24 October 2025

9:00 - 9:30 - Welcome and introduction

9:30 - 10:30 - Keynote speech

Olusola Oyewole, Secretary General, African Association of Universities (AAU)

11:00 - 12:30 - Panel discussion I: Trust in higher education - Current situation

12:30 - 14:00 - Lunch

14:00 - 15:30 - Panel discussion II: Role of associations in building trust in higher education among policy makers and in society 

15:30 - 16:00 - Coffee break 

16:00 - 17:00 - Summary of main discussion points, conclusions and identification of joint action

 

GMA Speakers

PREVIOUS GMAS

 
 
IAU provides a special forum for its organizational Members: the Global Meeting of Associations (GMA). It is a meeting exclusively for leaders of national, regional and international higher education associations and organizations. The GMA offers a unique opportunity to meet and network, as well as  exchange ideas and best practices among peers for mutual learning. These in-depth interactions boost international cooperation and help develop important joint initiativesfor the higher education sector and society at large.
 
The GMA is an in-person event and convenes  every two years in conjunction with the IAU International Conferences, rotating from one region of the world to the next  In addition, the GMA convenes online on a regular basis throughout the year.

 

2015

 

Social innovation: challenges and prospects for higher education



MONTREAL, CANADA

2006

 

The Role of associations in enhancing quality of higher education at home and abroad
 

PARIS, FRANCE

2017

 

Leadership for a changing public-private higher education funding landscape

ACCRA, GHANA

2009

 
Associations, Networks, Alliances etc.: Making Sense of the Emerging Global Higher Education Landscape

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

2011

 
Internationalization of Higher Education: New Players, New Approaches
 
 

NEW DELHI, INDIA

2013

 

Institutional Diversity in Higher Education: Advantage or Threat for Associations?
 

SALFORD, UNITED KINGDOM

2025


Building Trust in Higher Education



Kigali, rWANDA

 

About the Host 

 

University of Rwanda

The University of Rwanda, established in 2013 through the merger of several higher education institutions, is the largest public university in the country. From its inception, it has been dedicated to offering a comprehensive and inclusive education with a focus on innovation and research. The university promotes programs that cater to the developmental needs of Rwanda and the wider region, positioning itself as a leader in science, technology, agriculture, and health sciences.

Through collaborations with international partners and the establishment of centers of excellence, the University of Rwanda is committed to advancing the country's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. With approximately 31,042 students across six colleges, the university offers a diverse academic environment that encourages global perspectives and cross-cultural exchanges.

The University of Rwanda supports educational mobility by providing programs taught in English and French, spanning disciplines such as business, engineering, medicine, and environmental studies. Its commitment to research and community engagement makes it a vital contributor to Rwanda's socio-economic transformation and development.

 

Sponsors & Partners