The International Association of Universities (IAU) is a membership-led non-governmental organization working in the field of global higher education.

Over the decades, the IAU has played a key role in promoting global collaboration among universities, addressing issues in higher education, and advancing sustainable development.

[4] Following the first General Conference, key events included releasing two publications that formalized the standards and goals for the organization as well as the creation of international research committees in the 1960s.

In the 1990s, the IAU recognized the importance of releasing policy statements as a form of discussion for current concerns, addressing issues like sustainable development and academic freedom.

It convenes at least once every four years, determining IAU’s general policy, electing the President and Administrative Board, and addressing themes of global relevance in higher education.

[8] The Administrative Board, comprising the President, Secretary-General, and members from diverse nations, meets annually to implement the General Conference’s decisions, manage the budget, and oversee the Secretariat.

[9] The Secretariat, based in UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, executes the association’s programs, manages its daily operations, and serves as a hub for information and advisory services.

[13] There are a variety of benefits that members of the IAU utilize including networking opportunities, resources for development, and being actively involved in both organizational and global decision making.

[19] In its 2023 annual report, the IAU outlines an agenda focusing on thematic priorities to address global challenges and foster development in higher education.

The IAU leads research projects like the Global Survey on HESD and pilot programs to gather information that can be utilized in sustainable development.