On April 21–22, 2026, the International Association of Universities (IAU) – created under the auspices of UNESCO in 1950 – coorganized, in collaboration with the University of Carthage, the University of Sousse, and the University of La Manouba, a high-level international workshop dedicated to the Global Cluster on Higher Education and Sustainable Development (HESD). The IAU was represented on site by its Secretary General Hilligje van’t Land, Senior Officer for Higher Education and Sustainable Development Isabel Toman, and IAU Vice President Jouhaina Gherib.

Hosted at the Higher Institute of Tourism Studies and Hospitality of Sidi Dhrif, the event brought together around twenty international experts from 11 countries, representing higher education institutions engaged within the global IAU network, as well as representatives from the United Nations and UNESCO. The objective is clear: to strengthen the academic contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to prepare for the post-2030 agenda.

The opening ceremony featured high-level addresses by:

– Ms. Nadia Mzoughi, President of the University of Carthage

– Mr. Ameur Cherif, President of the University of La Manouba

– Mr. Lotfi Belkacem, President of the University of Sousse

– Ms. Rana Taha, UN Resident Coordinator in Tunisia

– Mr. Mourad Bellassoued, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

– Mr. Noah W. Sobe, UNESCO (video message)

– Ms. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the IAU

– Moderation: Ms. Jouhaina Gherib

As a true hub for exchange, the workshop aims to share innovative practices for integrating the SDGs into the core missions of universities: teaching, research, and community engagement, while contributing to the development of UNESCO’s future global roadmap for higher education.

✨ Through its role as co-organizer, the University of Carthage reaffirms its academic leadership and its commitment to sustainable development.

🔗 Learn more about the workshop: https://iau.global/news/hesd-global-cluster-expert-meeting-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawRXArxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFERWhGTnJPT3dqQnAxVXIyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqzP0m-egla17q1EEztygfYcHRIMQNY_9d96qirl77sqBONNh7R4Maqr8O3i_aem_ujWBmzNQpcjZAVxqjzAbrQ