About GUNi
One of the world leading and most recognized international think tanks on higher education policy and management.
An international network that currently gathers 336 members from 97 countries, including higher education institutions, UNESCO Chairs and research centres.
A reference institution in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education, scientific research, and university management.
The Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) is a UNESCO network aimed at advancing higher education and university policies worldwide. GUNi is promoted by UNESCO itself and the Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP), which has held the presidency and secretariat since 2014.
GUNi was established in 1999 after the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education to monitor the agreements made and act as an expert organization in university policy and management. In 2022, GUNi collaborated closely with UNESCO in organizing and holding the III World Conference on Higher Education in the city of Barcelona.
GUNi Mission
GUNi’s mission is to foster the role of higher education in society by supporting the renewal of its visions and policies worldwide in terms of public service, relevance, social responsibility, and innovation. It promotes the exchange of resources, innovative ideas, and experiences, allowing for collective reflection and co-production of knowledge on emerging issues in higher education.
Values
Defense and promotion of education, culture and science as decisive tools for human and social progress
Sustainable development
International cooperation, multilateralism and democratization of education and science
University autonomy and academic freedom
Responsibility and social commitment of higher education institutions
Promotion of the diversity of higher education institutions
Equity, equal opportunities and the defense of human rights
Objectives
Generate and share knowledge on higher education policy and management around the world.
Promote the knowledge society by strengthening higher education systems and institutions for the sake of progress, culture and well-being
Support institutions and governments around the world for the advancement of higher education, scientific research and innovation
Promote the development of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals within higher education systems and institutions around the world
Encourage academic and scientific diplomacy to promote multilateralism and international cooperation