Forging Strategic Synergies: The Bogotá Dialogue as a Catalyst for Interregional Higher Education Collaboration

The 16th AAU General Conference recorded an important discussion on the Bogotá Dialogue—an initiative poised to redefine global higher education partnerships. Chaired by Prof. Abiodun Humphrey Adebayo (outgoing AAU Board Member and former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Nigeria), the session unveiled the third Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development, scheduled for November 3–7, 2025, in Bogotá, Colombia.

The Bogota Dialogue was chaired by Prof. Abiodun Humphrey Adebayo

Dr. Nicolás Patrici, Director of Strategy and Development at OBREAL, framed the Dialogue as a transformative platform uniting Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe through shared historical and developmental imperatives. Jointly organized by OBREAL, AAU, the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), the African Union Commission (AUC), and CELAC, the initiative builds on the legacy of past dialogues in Buenos Aires and Addis Ababa—which laid the groundwork for enduring partnerships and mutual understanding and catalyzed tangible outcomes.

AUC’s Endorsement of the Bogotá Dialogue

Mr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, representing the African Union Commission, heralded the dialogue as a key platform emphasizing its strategic importance and the shared values it promotes across regions. Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Mr. Okonkwo commended the initiative, describing it as one that the AU is “particularly proud of.” He noted that countries across the regions involved in the initiative share not only historical connections but also similar socioeconomic issues, making the collaborative policy dialogue both timely and necessary. “The idea of common solutions for shared challenges was the foundation of this initiative,” he stated. He highlighted the evolution of the dialogue from conceptual discussions to concrete actions, referencing successful collaborations between African and Latin American institutions. Among these, he cited the partnership between the Pan-African University and the University of Buenos Aires, which led to the development of joint academic content and MOOC courses.

Mr. Okonkwo described the upcoming Bogotá Dialogue as “exciting and timely,” with thematic focus mapped out in strategic areas including youth unemployment, women in science, STEM education, and other pressing contemporary issues. He extended an open invitation to stakeholders across Africa to participate in the November 2025 event and reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s continued commitment to the initiative.

AAU’s Call to Action

In a compelling call to action, AAU Secretary-General – Prof. Olusola Oyewole urged all African vice-chancellors to participate in the upcoming Bogotá meeting, underscoring both its strategic importance and the strong enthusiasm from Latin American institutions for deeper collaboration.

As stakeholders prepare for this pivotal gathering, the path forward is clear: strengthening interregional partnerships is essential to advancing shared higher education goals and driving meaningful development across continents.

Information about the Inter Regional Dialogue

Since 2022, the Interregional Dialogues on Education and Development have emerged as a vital platform for fostering strategic cooperation between CELAC and the African Union. These dialogues have strengthened alliances between governments, universities, and key development actors, while promoting inclusive and forward-looking collaboration grounded in shared histories, common challenges, and collective aspirations. The third edition of the Dialogue—co-organized by the Government of Colombia (in its role as pro tempore presidency of CELAC), the African Union, OBREAL, the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN), and the Association of African Universities (AAU)—builds on the achievements of previous editions to advance joint action in education, science, and sustainable development. It aims to generate innovative responses to pressing global challenges across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

This edition of the Dialogue will take place in parallel with the 7th General Assembly and International Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD – UNESCO). This strategic convergence represents a unique opportunity for participants from both events to engage in joint sessions and cross-cutting discussions, fostering stronger interdisciplinary and interregional collaboration. By bringing together a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from policy makers and academic leaders to researchers, innovators, and civil society—the week will serve as a vibrant and inclusive platform for the co-creation of transformative solutions. The shared agenda will focus on critical themes such as education reform, scientific innovation, digital inclusion, and gender equity, advancing sustainable development and interregional cooperation among Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.

Additional Resources

Sign up to participate in this important dialogue via the event website – https://obreal.org/activity/interregional-dialogue-colombia-2025/