The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development, co-organized by the Association of African Universities (AAU) alongside the African Union Commission (AUC), Obreal, the Association of Arab Universities (AArU), and the CELAC Pro Tempore Presidency (Uruguay),  will take place from 13–17 December 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together governments, universities, regional organizations, research institutions, and development partners from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Arab World, and beyond.

This year’s Dialogue marks a new phase of the Interregional Dialogue Process, moving from dialogue to action by transforming shared ideas into concrete cooperation, governance mechanisms, pilot initiatives, and measurable outcomes.

Discussions will focus on three key action tracks:

• Green and Digital Transitions with Territorial Impact – advancing sustainable development through digital transformation, innovation, and climate-responsive solutions.
• Interregional Knowledge Connectivity – strengthening research collaboration, academic exchange, innovation ecosystems, and knowledge-sharing across regions.
• Inclusion, Social Cohesion, and Expanded Interregional Architecture – promoting equitable access to education, inclusive development, and stronger interregional governance and cooperation.

The Dialogue reinforces the vital role of higher education, research, innovation, and international partnerships in addressing today’s global challenges. Learn more and register: Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development

AAU’s Commitment

The Association of African Universities remains committed to positioning African higher education institutions as key contributors to global knowledge production and sustainable development. Through our partnership in this Dialogue, we seek to amplify Africa’s voice, foster meaningful collaborations, and create new opportunities for our member institutions to influence international higher education policy and practice.

We strongly encourage all AAU member universities, researchers, faculty members, and higher education leaders to take advantage of this unique platform to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to shaping innovative solutions for our shared future.

We look forward to your active participation in Addis Ababa as we work together to strengthen interregional cooperation and advance higher education’s contribution to sustainable development.

For more information and registration details, please visit the following links:

Register today: https://dialogues.obreal.org/interregional-dialogue-2026/register/

Read more: https://dialogues.obreal.org/interregional-dialogue-2026/

Together, let us transform dialogue into action and partnerships into impact.