Our 2025 objectives focus on establishing an innovative educational collaboration model, a dynamic educational portfolio, and a sustainable long-term funding strategy. Additionally, we are working towards organizing a joint GUA secretariat. Simultaneously, pilot projects are being initiated in Uganda and Jordan, which will provide critical insights for forming the strategic framework of the GUA.
Since September, the Steering Group has met online five times, while the Executive Committee has gathered for three online sessions. Three interconnected task forces have been created and commenced their work, alongside the formulation of a Terms of Reference.
Task Force 1 will focus on integrating existing and new educational offerings into a cohesive new model, featuring an eventually comprehensive course portfolio. Their first workshop was conducted in Geneva in early December.
Task Force 2 is dedicated to launching four-year pilot projects in Uganda and Jordan. Their kickoff workshop is scheduled for February, guided by a feasibility study for Uganda (expected mid-January), and informed by a course mapping exercise from various universities.
Task Force 3 is concentrated on devising a funding strategy and establishing GUA operations. They convened for their initial workshop in Copenhagen in mid-December.
The work conducted by these task forces will culminate in a joint workshop this June. The Secretariat will coordinate these streams, engaging both the Steering Group and the Executive Committee to ensure alignment and coherence.
We are eagerly anticipating the continued progress and are pleased to report that GUA is progressing as planned. Our target is to launch the initial courses by 2026.
Key Meetings and Events This Fall:
September 9-12: Visit to Kampala
Rectors from the University of Oslo, University of Bergen, and The Norwegian University of Life Sciences visited Kampala to engage with Makerere University and Gulu University on the Global University Academy and the Uganda pilot projects. Discussions centered around building upon the successful initiatives at Makerere and Gulu, and expanding capacity collaboratively.
In Kampala, a workshop with NRC Uganda was conducted to chart the way forward. Key discussion topics included overarching objectives for the pilot, challenges from multiple perspectives (students, Ugandan GUA partners, non-Ugandan GUA partners, and the NRC), the setup of a feasibility study, and strategies for funding. The feasibility study is anticipated to be completed by mid-January.
Additional meetings took place with UNHCR Uganda, Makerere University’s Refugee Law Project, RENU, and Windle International Uganda.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the University of Oslo with The Norwegian Refugee Council, following an earlier visit to Kampala, Gulu, and refugee settlements near Adjumani in March 2024.
November 25-29: Visit to Jordan
The University of Geneva and UiO visited the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan, connecting with key Jordanian partners and stakeholders.
December 5-6: Initial Workshop on Joint Education Model in Geneva
Partners deliberated on key components of a new educational model aimed at enhancing access to higher education for refugees and internally displaced individuals.
December 18: Initial Workshop on Sustainable Funding in Copenhagen
Partners discussed the economic framework for GUA and strategies for developing a sustainable long-term funding model.
