Held under the theme “Building Trust in Higher Education,” the three-day conference opened on Tuesday, October 21, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) and runs through Thursday, October 23.
The event marks a milestone for Rwanda and the region, as it is the first time the IAU International Conference has been held in East Africa. Over 200 delegates from 56 countries are attending, engaging in discussions on how universities can rebuild and sustain public trust amid an era of social, technological, and ideological disruption.
The conference’s focus on trust comes at a time when universities globally are facing heightened scrutiny. Questions are being raised about their relevance, impact, and the trustworthiness of their operations, especially in light of rapid technological advancements and societal changes. The discussions aim to address these issues and forge new paths for universities to re-establish their credibility in an age marked by political and social unrest.
Andrew Deeks, the President of IAU, set the tone for the conference, reflecting on the organisation’s 75-year legacy and its continued commitment to advancing higher education globally. He emphasised that this year’s theme was particularly relevant as trust in universities is being questioned across the world.
“Whether universities are operating for the benefit of the countries they’re in or for the students they educate is increasingly under scrutiny,” said Professor Deeks. “Our goal is to explore how to build and sustain trust in the face of these challenges.”
Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, expressed the institution’s excitement in being part of this global conversation. He noted the unique opportunity for African universities to share their experiences and challenges with their international counterparts.
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Hilligje van’t Land, the Secretary-General of IAU, highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration between universities worldwide.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the higher education community to come together, discuss the key challenges facing universities, and work towards solutions that will benefit the global higher education sector,” she said.
Dr Van’t Land pointed out that the conference’s theme is timely, especially considering the turmoil faced by many institutions in the current political climate. From issues surrounding academic freedom to increasing demands for inclusivity and equity, universities must find ways to remain relevant and trustworthy in an increasingly complex world.
The challenges facing higher education in Africa, in particular, were a focal point of discussion. Professor Muganga emphasised how hosting the conference in Kigali allows African universities to not only learn from their global peers but also showcase their progress and unique challenges.
“By coming together, we can exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and benefit from diverse perspectives,” Prof. Muganga added.
Andreas Corcoran, IAU Deputy Secretary General, reiterated the association’s founding mission to act as the “global voice of higher education” within UNESCO frameworks. He praised Africa’s dynamic academic landscape, describing it as “vibrant, agile, and creative in solving contemporary challenges.”
“Africa is the future,” Corcoran said. “The world has a lot to learn from African universities, their innovative pedagogies, governance models, and adaptability to their specific environments.”
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Prof. Muganga revealed that the University of Rwanda has already signed several Memoranda of Understanding with participating institutions, including a new agreement with Brazil’s Federal University of Viçosa focusing on technology, mining, and geology.
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One of the most pressing issues discussed at the conference is how universities can rebuild trust in a world where misinformation and mistrust are rampant. The importance of integrity in leadership, transparency in governance, and a commitment to inclusivity were all emphasized as key pillars of rebuilding trust.
Global tertiary education expert Dr Jamil Salmi delivered the keynote address, “Trust and Distrust in an Age of Turmoil,” warning that higher education institutions worldwide face a crisis of confidence.
He cited factors such as widening inequalities in access, rising tuition costs, corruption, ideological interference, and the growing rejection of scientific evidence.
“We live in a paradox where universities are attacked as elitist or irrelevant, even as societies depend on them more than ever for innovation and progress,” he said.
Dr Salmi identified five key principles for rebuilding trust: equity and inclusiveness, student-centred learning, a focus on competencies over credentials, commitment to truth and academic freedom, and social responsibility.
Dr Salmi emphasised that universities can no longer be “ivory towers” and must engage actively with communities, industry, and government. He noted that trust is built when universities deliver real value to society through education, research, and innovation.
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Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, also addressed the conference, stressing the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and positioning higher education as a driver of social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Trust is earned when universities deliver value, by educating citizens to be problem-solvers and generating research that addresses real societal challenges,” said Nsengimana.
He underscored the importance of partnerships between universities, governments, and communities, noting that Rwanda’s Vision 2050 aims to make the country a knowledge-driven, high-income society.
“We see higher education not as an isolated pursuit of degrees, but as a driver of transformation, a tool for social cohesion and a pillar of sustainable development. Our universities are not doing business as usual. They are becoming engines of innovation, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Nsengimana urged delegates to envision a future where universities lead change, serving as beacons of truth, innovation, and hope. “Together, we can ensure higher education does not merely survive change but shapes it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the conference also marked the launch of the IAU’s Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), a peer-to-peer capacity-building initiative for university leaders. The programme begins in Kigali and continues online, with additional modules planned for the 2026 IAU Conference in Perth, Australia, in November 2026.
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