Driving Innovation and Change Through Global Academic Cooperation
We believe in the power of cooperation across borders. At a time when many countries turn inward, we want to illustrate why openness and cooperation matter. In the coming weeks, we will share inspiring stories that highlight the positive impact of global academic partnerships. These stories, from VLIRUOS, ARES, and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), show how we and our many partners are working together to build a better, safer and more sustainable world.
Belgian higher education and research institutions, supported by dynamic networks, have been driving sustainable social and economic development for years. Our international partnerships, innovative projects, and scholarship programmes, nurture leaders, advance research on global challenges, and build vibrant alumni communities, fostering worldwide impact and stability.
We place our trust in the next generation: young people around the world who have the potential to lead with integrity and a global vision. We also believe in the power of science and evidence-based policymaking to guide us through the complexities of our shared future.
1. Educating the Changemakers of Tomorrow
Higher education plays a vital role in shaping the future. By supporting higher education institutions and students worldwide, we empower the next generation of leaders, professionals, scientists, and citizens—those who will tackle global challenges and drive sustainable development in their communities and beyond.
2. Fostering Innovation delivering Impact
When researchers collaborate across continents to address real-world challenges, they create knowledge that is locally grounded and globally relevant. Through joint research, co-creation, and translating innovation into policy and practice, higher education institutions help shape a more just, sustainable, and interconnected world.
3. Strengthening Belgium’s role in the world
Academic partnerships and scholarships forge powerful, lasting connections between individuals, Belgium, its regions and Europe. These networks of scholars, alumni, and researchers extend Belgium’s and Europe’s international presence, strengthen their soft power, and promote their shared values of democracy, academic freedom, human rights, equity and collaboration, contributing to peace and stability.
4. Partnerships that Benefit All
Academic partnerships should be seen as strategic investments, not costs. They lead to real impact in the Global South while strengthening Belgium’s own knowledge economy and innovation ecosystem, as well as geopolitical stability. These win-win partnerships are rooted in shared ambitions and long-term mutual benefit, far beyond the scope of traditional development cooperation.
ARES is the federation of higher education institutions in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. ARES coordinates initiatives that strengthen individual and institutional capacities, develop research and education, and foster innovation through international academic partnerships.
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) advances science and health for all through cutting-edge research, postgraduate education, medical service delivery, and long-standing partnerships. ITM collaborates with universities, public health institutes, hospitals, and laboratories in low-and middle-income countries to build stronger health systems and improve quality and access to health care for all. Specific attention is given to pandemic preparedness and outbreak response.
VLIRUOS is the leading funding body for scholarships for and partnerships between academics from the Flemish universities and universities of applied sciences and arts and partner institutions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, focused on global sustainable development. VLIRUOS is part of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR).
More information on Higher Education & Science for Sustainable Development on www.hes4sd.be