The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development, convened in Addis Ababa at the headquarters of the African Union, marks a new stage in the Interregional Dialogue Process: operationalisation and expansion.
This edition brings together governments, regional organisations, universities, research centres, scientific networks, funding agencies and multilateral institutions from different Souths and Norths to turn interregional cooperation into concrete agendas, instruments and long-term capacities.
At a time when climate transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, educational inclusion, skills development and the restructuring of global trade are reshaping development agendas, the Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development responds to the need for cooperation that is both political and operational. This edition moves beyond declarations by translating shared principles into governance structures, action plans, pilot initiatives and cooperation instruments with measurable outcomes. It builds on existing regional and continental frameworks while advancing a polycentric agenda for sustainable innovation, knowledge connectivity and more effective multilateral cooperation.
ACTION TRACKS
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 track will address the role of higher education, research, innovation, skills and TVET in supporting green and digital transitions. It will focus on artificial intelligence, climate resilience, energy transition, productivity, employability and the connection between universities, public policy and productive sectors.
02
Interregional knowledge connectivity
This track will strengthen the circulation of knowledge, researchers, students, institutions and innovation systems across regions. It will focus on women in science, multilingualism, indigenous knowledge, academic networks, joint programmes, co-supervision, collaborative research, technology transfer and sustainable institutional partnerships.
03
Inclusion, cohesion, and an expanded interregional architecture
This track will address youth leadership, evidence-informed policy, community-based research, science diplomacy, university-community engagement, social cohesion, resilience and peacebuilding. It will also support the expansion of the interregional architecture towards new regions and partners.
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
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.
ORGANIZED BY
The Fourth Interregional Dialogue on Education and Development is jointly organised by the African Union Commission, the CELAC Pro Tempore Presidency under the Government of Uruguay, the Association of African Universities, the Association of Arab Universities and Obreal, with the support of the Government of Catalonia, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Germany), the Flemish Interuniversity Council for University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS, Belgium), the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (UNESCO-INRULED, China) and other institutional partners.
The 2026 edition will take place at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 13 to 17 December.
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 a South-South-North(s) perspective
Co-organized with WTO Chair and IRIC
Education and Development
WEBINAR
Digitalisation and
quality assurance in higher
education
Co-organized with AUN
Education and Development
WEBINAR
Can Tourism Adapt to Climate Change?
A conversation between Latin America, Africa, and Europe
Co-organized with AUN
organized by
with the support of
