Universities have an important part to play in promoting mutual respect and understanding between people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures.

Many higher education institutions across the Commonwealth are involved in innovative programmes and initiatives that promote and nurture values of respect, tolerance and openness among staff, students and their local communities.

Drawing on the collective experience of the ACU’s diverse membership, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) wants to collate and share examples of the work universities are doing in this area so that they can learn from and inspire one another. In this spirit, the ACU is also encouraging staff and students at universities across the Commonwealth to endorse common values that bind them together.

This initiative is part of a broader project funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and is being run in the context of the 2017 Commonwealth theme of 'A peace-building Commonwealth'.

How can I get involved?

The ACU is inviting staff and students at universities in the Commonwealth to:

• Commit to efforts in promoting respect and understanding by endorsing our Statement of shared values, with an option to submit case studies highlighting successful initiatives
• Read and share contributions from colleagues around the Commonwealth

The ACU is a network of more than 500 universities in over 50 countries, whose mission it is to promote and support excellence in higher education for the benefit of individuals and societies throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. As an organisation, it is well placed to share knowledge and best practice widely.

We are inviting participation until December 2017.

*Case studies may be selected for publication on the ACU website, social media channels and in other campaign activity.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.