Brac University is delighted to have become a member of the Association of the Commonwealth Universities (ACU). ACU member universities are part of a very extensive global community of universities with a shared commitment to build a better world through higher education. With more than 500 member universities, Brac University is now a part of a network that reflects the breadth and diversity of the fifty-four member countries of the Commonwealth.
Professor Vincent Chang President and Vice Chancellor of Brac University, has also been personally invited by Dr Joanna Newman MBE FRSA, Chief Executive and Secretary General of ACU, to serve on ACU’s South Asia Regional Committee. The aim of the committee is to ensure ACU provides real value to member institutions in the region and also support and inform the London based ACU Council, in its strategic decision-making processes.
“It is vital that Brac University plays a full role in world’s first and oldest international university network. The ACU brings together many of the world’s most prestigious universities. It puts Brac University on the global map and helps us to achieve Brac University 2.0 by enabling us to share best practice with a wide range of international partners. I am honored to have been asked to make a strategic contribution to the ACU on behalf of one of the most important economic regions in the world”, said Professor Chang.
The ACU is the only accredited Commonwealth organization to represent higher education institutions. Membership will enable Brac University to work with ACU in advocating on high level issues. It represents its members at international forums that include Commonwealth ministerial meetings and the United Nations.
ACU is also a resource to enhance Brac University’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will work in partnership with Brac University to develop new projects and initiatives that strengthen capacity and promote international collaboration themes such as:- climate change and other global challenges, access and inclusion, supporting research and strengthening university to university relationships.
Jonathan Cartmell, Vice President International commented’ ACU membership will open up a range of new university partnerships with universities located in traditional education strongholds e.g. the UK, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore as well in rapidly developing economic regions such as our own. The strength of our future success will be closely linked to the richness of the institutional partnerships we build’.
Notable benefits for students, faculty and staff members include access to conference grants, participation at themed ambassadors’ summits and grants and fellowships in member countries etc. ACU membership will also allow Brac University’s faculty and staff to pursue their academic interests by joining several thematic networks and communities, including – the Higher Education and the SDG Network, Commonwealth Peace and Reconciliation Network, Commonwealth Climate Resilience Network, Supporting Research Community and HR in Higher Education Community.
“It has been productive to work with ACU for years: they have opened worldwide connections and collaborative institutional partnerships, research and doctoral study opportunities and collaboration over major social issues linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals” said, Dr. David Dowland, Registrar of Brac University.