The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development is a high-level platform that brings together stakeholders from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, China and the Arab region to advance shared commitments on education, knowledge and sustainable development. Rooted in a spirit of genuine multilateral cooperation, the Dialogue provides a unique space for governments, higher education institutions, research centres, and civil society to align visions, exchange experiences, and forge concrete partnerships across regions.
At a time when the world faces urgent and interconnected challenges (from climate change and digital disruption to growing inequalities) the Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development responds to the need for coordinated, interregional action. Moving beyond declarations, this edition focuses on translating shared principles into operational programmes, pilot projects, and cooperation instruments with measurable outcomes, building on existing regional frameworks and advancing a polycentric agenda for sustainable innovation.
The Fourth Edition of the Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development is a joint initiative by Obreal, the African Union, the Association of African Universities, the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the CELAC (Government of Uruguay) and the Government of Catalonia. It is supported by DAAD, VLIRUOS and UNESCO-INRULED among others.
The 2026 edition will take place at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from the 13 to the 16th of December.
Themes
The 2026 edition will be structured around three thematic areas that will guide discussions and proposals for interregional cooperation.
01
Green and Digital Transitions with Territorial Impact
This theme addresses the role of higher education and innovation in financing the green transition, as well as in the governance and deployment of emerging technologies, including digital transformation and artificial intelligence, in alignment with the priorities of the National Policy for Sustainable Innovation 2030 (NSIP).
02
Interregional Knowledge Connectivity
This theme focuses on strengthening research and innovation capacities, developing human capital, and fostering linkages between higher education institutions, innovation ecosystems, and technology transfer mechanisms.
03
Inclusion, Cohesion, and an Expanded Interregional Architecture
This theme explores the role of higher education institutions in inclusive development and quality of life, as well as in consolidating a broader and more articulated interregional architecture.
audience
The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development is designed for all actors working at the intersection of education, research, and sustainable development across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, China and the Arab region.
Regional and continental organizations
University associations and higher education institutions
Student and faculty representatives, as well as community stakeholders
Ministries responsible for education, science, and innovation
Research councils, funding agencies, and international partners
DOCUMENTS
All essential information for your participation will be available soon.
More from the Interregional Dialogue Process
The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development is one milestone within a broader, ongoing process. Here you will find webinars, conferences, thematic workshops, and other events and initiatives that are part of the Interregional Dialogue Process throughout the year.
Trade and Multilateralism
CONFERFENCE
Revisiting the multilateral trading system from an African / South-South-North(s) perspective
Co-organized with WTO Chair at the Institut des Relations Internationales du Cameroun (IRIC)
Education and Development
WEBINAR
Digitalisation and
quality assurance in higher
education
Co-organized with AUN
Education and Development
WEBINAR
Digitalisation and
quality assurance in higher
education
Co-organized with AUN
REGISTRATION
FORM