GICHE – The Global Innovation Circle on Higher Education

🌍The inaugural GICHE event is officially underway!   We are thrilled to host representatives from 19 major international higher education networks at the inaugural event of the Global Innovation Circle on Higher Education at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover, Germany. In addition to those already fostering collaboration across continents, we warmly welcome influential networks from South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.   Their presence here is a testament to our shared commitment to shaping the future of higher education together. By bringing together the leadership of global networks, GICHE aims to transform shared knowledge into coordinated action and meaningful policy impact.   Under the theme “Building Innovative Networks in Complex Times: What Lies Ahead for International Collaboration in Higher Education?” we are exploring: ➡️ Core values and shared responsibilities in global academic partnerships  ➡️ The role of knowledge equity, diversity, and inclusion in international collaboration  ➡️ Innovative areas and formats of collaboration  ➡️ Strategies for fostering successful international networks in complex times    We look forward to a second day of inspiring discussions and new approaches to building the future of higher education—innovative, inclusive, and together.   #GICHE #HigherEducation #InternationalCollaboration #Innovation #UniversityNetworks   Photo by Daniel Pilar

🚨 Just 1 day to go! 🚨   All preparations are now complete, and we are thrilled to be welcoming all network representatives very soon! We can’t wait to see you all at the welcome drink tomorrow evening or when the conference officially begins on Thursday morning. Wishing all attendees safe and smooth travels to Hannover. Let's make this conference a memorable one filled with inspiring discussions, new partnerships, and valuable insights. See you very soon!   #GICHE2025 #ConferenceReady #Hannover #Networking #InternationalExchange

🌟 Countdown is on! The GICHE Conference is only 1 week away! 🌟 While we are here finishing the final preparations, we are very much looking forward to welcoming all participating network representatives soon. Get ready for engaging discussions, new collaborations, and unforgettable moments. A quick travel tip: The weather forecast remains uncertain a week in advance, but current projections suggest a colorful and variable autumn scene with sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain, with temperatures around 15°C. In case you wish to pack in the coming days, please include layers, an umbrella, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. See you next week! #GICHE2025 #ConferenceCountdown #Hannover #Networking #InternationalExchange

What strategies help international networks succeed in an era of disruption and uncertainty? 🌍🤝 In an era of global geopolitical challenges and rapid change, the plenary dialogue session “Strategies for Fostering Successful International Networks in Complex Times” at GICHE`s upcoming conference will explore how international networks can build resilience and strengthen meaningful collaboration for the future. The discussion will focus on the key elements, effective strategies, and actionable approaches needed to sustain and expand global partnerships— even in challenging and unpredictable environments. The panel will feature Kayode Oyebode Adebowale from U7+ Alliance of World Universities, Jorge Fabian Calzoni from UDUALC ORG, @Thanapan Laiprakobsup from ASEAN University Network and Jan Wöpking from #GRIUN. Moderated by Angela Ittel, Vice President of Hochschulrektorenkonferenz, we look forward to gaining their valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of international academic collaboration. #GICHE2025 #InternationalCollaboration #GlobalNetworks #HigherEducation #ResilientPartnerships #AcademicCooperation #GlobalEngagement 

What new formats can unlock effective collaboration in higher education? 🌍🤝 At the GICHE Conference, the workshop “Innovative Formats of Collaboration” will feature perspectives from ASEAN University Network, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), Worldwide Universities Network, and #RéseauDg2.    The session will explore innovative mechanisms for joint research funding, advancing cooperation in virtual teaching and learning, and applying creative, adaptive partnership models. The discussion will highlight how these formats can further strengthen collaboration within and between higher education networks. #GICHE2025 #HigherEducation #Collaboration #FutureOfCollaboration

Where are the emerging horizons of international academic collaboration? 🌍🚀 We’re excited to highlight the workshop “Innovative Areas of Collaboration” within GICHE’s Inaugural Event, featuring insights from APRU, the Coimbra Group, UNICA - Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe, and AUGM Oficial.   This session will explore emerging avenues for cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, urban development, and civic engagement. Participants will share reflections on creative approaches, successful strategies, and lessons learned in addressing pressing societal challenges through international partnerships. #GICHE2025 #Innovation #GlobalCollaboration #HigherEducation #AI #UrbanDevelopment 

How can equity, diversity, and inclusion shape the future of international collaboration? 🌍🎓 The workshop “The Role of Knowledge Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in International Collaboration” at GICHE’s inaugural event in October will be hosted by Universitas 21 (U21) and Knowledge Equity Network (KEN). The session will explore how global academic networks currently address knowledge equity, diversity, and inclusion. We will examine successful initiatives, share lessons learned, and highlight best practices—while also discussing the ongoing challenges faced by networks and universities worldwide. #GICHE2025 #KnowledgeEquity #Diversity #Inclusion #GlobalCollaboration 

What makes global academic partnerships truly sustainable? 🌍✨ At the upcoming GICHE – The Global Innovation Circle on Higher Education Conference, the workshop “Building Common Ground: Core Values and Shared Responsibilities in Global Academic Partnerships” will explore this crucial question with insights from APRU, European University Association, and League of European Research Universities (LERU), and with moderation by Magna Charta Observatory. This question will be addressed through discussions on aligning expectations from the start, fostering mutual respect, and sharing responsibilities that build trust, transparency, and equitable participation. Further attention will be given to navigating cultural differences, upholding ethical standards, and managing conflicts constructively when core values are challenged. We look forward to a dynamic exchange on how shared principles can strengthen international collaboration. #GICHE2025 #GlobalPartnerships #AcademicCollaboration #HigherEducation #CoreValues  

Only four weeks until the inaugural GICHE Event in Hannover! Why do we need GICHE – The Global Innovation Circle on Higher Education, this “network of networks” in these times of fundamental changes? Georg Schütte, CEO of the Volkswagen Foundation, answers this question in the video. He and his colleagues at the VolkswagenStiftung (Volkswagen Foundation), who organize the #GICHE25 together with the Universität Hamburg and Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (German Rectors' Conference), look forward to welcoming all participants at the inaugural event at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover! #VolkswagenFoundation #GICHE #UHH #HRK #NetworkOfNetworks

Three renowned networks will strengthen the international dialogue at GICHE’s inaugural event in October: We are pleased to welcome Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, a member of the Presidential Steering Committee, representing U7+ Alliance of World Universities. The U7+ unites university presidents globally to promote key issues such as robust democracy, planetary priorities and multilateral engagement. The alliance works closely with G7 leaders and beyond.   We are also pleased to welcome Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General, and Prof. ANAS RATIB ALSOUD, Executive Director, representing the Association of Arab Universities (AArU). Founded in 1964, the Association of Arab Universities now has 280 members and fosters cooperation in higher education across the Arab world.   Moreover, we are delighted to welcome Nicole Lacasse, President, and François Gélineau, Host University Representative, on behalf of Réseau Dg2. Dg2 unites leaders from 16 universities spanning 10 countries and 4 continents, shaping the university of tomorrow. Nine members have already established a consortium for international virtual mobility and credit course exchange.   We look forward to an inspiring exchange and to seeing what new connections will be made.   #U7+ #RéseauDg2 #AArU #GICHE #GlobalCollaboration #UniversityNetworks #InternationalPartnerships