On behalf of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Dr. Manzur H Khan, Proctor and Associate Professor, Computer Science participated in the IAU 2023 International Conference held from 25-27 November at the Qatar University in Doha, Qatar. The theme of this year’s conference was Higher Education with Impact: The Importance of Intercultural Learning and Dialogue.

Universities provide excellent environments to foster intercultural learning and competence which embraces diversity, treasures differences and is necessary for graduates to thrive in a globalized world. It enhances their appreciation and respect for others and leads to a more forceful commitment to human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and building peace. Through dynamic sessions, with over 100 university leaders and 40 speakers, the IAU 2023 Intercultural Conference explored how universities around the world promote and support intercultural learning and dialogue, the impact geopolitics is having on this goal, and the broader implications it has for our society.

The three main plenary sessions of the conference were on the 'Intercultural Imperative in a De-globalizing World,' 'Opening Knowledge for Humanity in an Interconnected World' and 'The Impact of Geopolitics on the Future of International Cooperation,' in addition to a number of breakout sessions. During the second day, various panels deliberated on the pivotal role universities play in advancing learning and fostering intercultural dialogue within societies. Notably, experts and university presidents actively participated in these discussions, sharing their perspectives.

The International Association of Universities is a global forum for leaders of universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) and HE associations. For over 70 years, IAU has convened and connected HEIs and associations from around the world to identify, reflect and act on common key priorities: values-based leadership; fair and inclusive internationalization; higher education and research for sustainable development; and the digital transformation of higher education, for society and the common good. It also acts as the global voice of higher education to a wide range of international and inter-governmental organizations - in particular to UNESCO contributes to global debates, and advocates for strong, higher quality and inclusive higher education.