Nationalism and isolationism, exclusion and division are being vigorously championed by some. But there is hope to be found in the international higher education sector. This is not to deny the challenges that many of us are facing in this area, but it is what we stand for, what we strive for, despite these challenges, that inspires this hope.
In the international education space and by virtue of being human, we are a part of something larger than ourselves. The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu describes this idea as ‘my humanity being inextricably bound to yours’. We are not merely individuals separated from each other. We are connected and what we do affects the whole world. ‘I am because we are’.
This is one of the Asia Pacific Association for International Education’s (APAIE) imperatives, to analyse the notion of, and to support the cultivation of global citizens for the future through higher education. But what exactly does that mean and what is the unique role that higher education institutions can undertake in this endeavour? What is a ‘global citizen’? How are notions of globalisation and internationalisation defined by Indigenous/Tribal communities? Or Global South communities, also with its diversity of views? What skills and knowledge are necessary for ‘global citizens’, and which aspects of these requirements change or remain constant? How do you build partnerships across cultural and ethnic communities?
These are some of the themes that will be explored at APAIE’s upcoming annual conference (March 24-28, 2025) along with our host, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and the support of other Indian organisations. For the first time, an APAIE conference will be held in Delhi, India whose national government is committed to achieving a thriving knowledge economy,
APAIE has also introduced its Access Fund Program to promote and deliver on its vision of equity and inclusion in higher education. APAIE is providing total funding for 8 delegates and partial funding for an additional 8 delegates from underrepresented nations to attend the 2025 conference. These delegates will also be provided with a booth in the popular exhibition space. This year APAIE will welcome these delegates from Nepal, Bhutan, Laos and Cambodia, and look forward to hearing and learning from them during the program at Regional Update sessions and participation in a pre-conference workshop.
This by invitation only but free pre-conference workshop on March 24, Empowering Global Education Leaders in India: An APAIE Building Capacity Masterclass, is part of APAIE’s mission to ‘give back’ to our host nation and to include those who rarely get the opportunity to benefit from conferences such as these. APAIE is issuing invitations to a range of people from Indian Higher Education organisations who do not necessarily have the means to participate in events such as these, but who would greatly benefit from them. Delegates will participate in a range of interactive sessions delivered by experts in the field of IHE for the entire day, network with each other and the global leadership team and be very well fed… because what better way to cultivate global citizens than partaking in a range of national dishes!
This will be the second in APAIE’s Empowering Global Education Leaders’ Series, with the first one being conducted in Malaysia in November 2024 along with our host Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). While providing space and time for organisations in this region and further abroad, to form mutually beneficial relationships at these events, we also believe in the power of humour and a sense of playfulness to create connections. This was evident in Malaysia with a brilliant team of leaders and delegates. (APAIE is in the process of arranging the third in the series in Indonesia with hosts UII and UGM to be held in October 2025).
To cultivate true global citizens, it is just as important to listen, understand and respect the values of others as it is to pursue your own values because the way in which we advocate for equity, inclusion and social justice also matters. Global citizens seek to learn, listen and engage in conversations and actions that seek to promote internationalisation and all that this entails. When we bring empathy and compassion into public places, this is the beginning of justice, social justice and responsible citizenship. We learn, we question, we reflect, we evolve.
In 2025, APAIE seeks to continue promoting Asia-Pacific voices that need to be heard in international education. Some initiatives include a Student4Students Group; Supporting the Wellbeing of International Students Asia Pacific Network; an Indigenous Engagement Network in the Asia-Pacific, the Internationalisation of the Curriculum Group and building on our commitments to the CANIE Accord. All these initiatives are in collaboration with a range of organisations and individuals who inspire hope in their unfailing commitment to making a positive contribution to higher education and the world, and to the development of global citizens for a shared future.
I am because we are.
Lucinda Malgas is the Projects and Membership Manager at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE)
