15th S-DHG Forum 2025

Within the S-DHG, there is a shared belief in the vital role of international partnerships. Collaborations in higher education with the Global South bring considerable benefits—not only to partner countries, but also to European institutions, the global academic community, and societies worldwide. These partnerships help tackle pressing global challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change, and sustainable development. In order to maintain and strengthen support in times of crisis—against the backdrop of a shifting global security context and mounting pressure on development cooperation budgets—it is crucial to communicate their value effectively to key decision-makers and stakeholders, including government representatives, institutional leaders, private sector actors and the public. This requires an evidence-based narrative that demonstrates mutual socio-economic benefits, long-term impact, and coherence with the Sustainable Development Goals. Such a narrative should be grounded in good practices, research findings, case studies, evaluation reports, and impact assessments.

This year’s forum offers an opportunity to reflect on the shifting dynamics of development cooperation, examine relevant policy frameworks, and explore strategies for more effective communication of the value of higher education cooperation. The agenda includes funding and collaboration opportunities, including within broader frameworks such as Global Gateway, aimed at reinforcing collective efforts.

The S-DHG Forum 2025 is hosted by Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) and supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-Dir).

Accommodation at Hotel Regina (subject to availability).

Please send a booking request with the access code “S-DHG” to regina@kremslehnerhotels.at

Contact details: Hotel Regina, Rooseveltplatz 15, 1090 Vienna, +43 1 404 46 0, regina@kremslehnerhotels.at