The value and importance of partnerships – and their power to solve global challenges – was the focus at day two of Going Global.

Dr Joanna Newman of the @The_ACU says that universities should “promote respect and understanding” and also “encourage critical thinking”.

“Campuses should be places where robust differences of opinion should respected” #GoingGlobal2018

Universities are uniquely placed to influence global and local solutions to such challenges. Speaking on a panel on 'Global institutions - servants of too many masters?' Dr Joanna Newman, ACU Chief Executive and Secretary General, emphasised the importance of local involvement and co-creation in international partnerships. Dr Newman went on to highlight how the ACU is facilitating innovative partnerships and programmes across the Commonwealth, such as our ACU respect work – which is inspiring student leaders to lead change within their communities, by promoting respect and understanding.

“Universities have a huge role locally and internationally to promote respect and tolerance.” - Dr Joanna Newman, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities pic.twitter.com/i6nLStMGVA

— Global BU (@GlobalBU) May 3, 2018

Marking the ACU and British Council's partnership, a networking lunch brought together vice-chancellors from 28 member universities with colleagues from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, High Commission and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. This lunch celebrated the ACU and British Council's mutual partnership, commitment to cross-border collaboration and learning, and plans to create a UK-Malaysia policy dialogue.

Our #GoingGlobal2018 networking lunch brought together members with colleagues from the HE sector. Here's Our Sec Gen @DrJoannaNewman w/ @SarahDeverall, Prof Sir Paul Curran @CityUniLondon, Prof Dame Janet Beer @LivUni & Prof Cheryl de la Rey @UPTuks #intled pic.twitter.com/PhV8EGrToz

— The ACU (@The_ACU) May 3, 2018

Bringing the conference theme of 'Global connections, local impact' to life the day's activities concluded with the University of Nottingham Malaysia – an ACU member – hosted an inspiring reception at Kuala Lumpur's world-famous Petronas Towers.

Opportunities for all: the value of international university networks

Reflecting on the themes of Going Global, Professor Jan Thomas, ACU Council member and Vice Chancellor of Massey University, New Zealand, writes for our blog about how the ACU supports and adds value to its diverse membership by providing unique opportunities for members to collaborate and connect.

More information

Going Global is the British Council's annual conference for leaders of international education – this year's theme is 'Global connections, local impact'. Read our round-up from day one at Going Global here and follow us on Twitter for live updates.

Dr Joanna Newman, Chief Executive and Secretary General, Liberty Oberlander, Head of Membership Development, Faye Taylor, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Kathryn Barnard, Events Manager, are attending this year's conference to represent the ACU and its membership.

Earlier this year, the ACU and the British Council signed a partnership agreement, committing our organisations to work more closely and promote higher education across the Commonwealth.