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The Association of Commonwealth Universities | ACU
Policy and advocacy

We are the voice of our members in key policy forums, and bring their needs to the forefront of global education decision-making.

The ACU is the sole body representing higher education at key international forums including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM). We bring awareness to the needs of universities throughout the Commonwealth and champion the transformative impact that the higher education sector can have on sustainable development.

Our Policy asks
Making the case for sustainable higher education funding and finance

Well-funded and resilient higher education systems are essential. Not only for navigating the ever-changing educational and industrial landscape, but for meeting education targets across the entire pipeline. Therefore, Governments must commit to realising innovative, sustainable financial models for universities. The sector can work creatively with governments to better finance higher education and move beyond the obvious asks. For example, we can explore tripartite funding mechanisms between government, industry and universities; how foreign tax credits can subsidise public funding; and  support and disseminate best practice to incentivise industry to work with and invest in universities through curriculum development, apprenticeships, and research commercialisation.

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Bridging the gap: Improving access and inclusion in HE

To effectively address disparities in access and inclusion, the ACU advocates for robust data collection and research that goes beyond surface-level analysis, focusing on the needs of students with disabilities and other marginalized groups. By identifying gaps and assessing the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms, this approach will help develop targeted strategies to remove barriers and enhance support systems. The ACU will lead efforts to close the evidence gap by conducting research on gender and disability inclusion in higher education and sharing best practice case studies to guide governments in adopting effective inclusion policies. The ACU also advocates for investing in and diversifying pedagogies through online learning to reach a broader student base

Navigating the digital frontier: Digital access and AI

Universities can be part of the solution for many of the wider challenges governments face including AI and digital transformation. Universities can play a key role in guiding governments through the ethical and regulatory challenges that accompany these technological advancements and they can be part of the solution in developing an AI and digitally-enabled  workforce equipped with the skills needed for future technologies. As we look to align our regulatory and governance frameworks to keep up with the pace of change, universities serve as crucial hubs for research, innovation, analysis, digital skills and discourse, helping to navigate the complex landscape of AI's impact on society and employment.

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Developing future-ready graduates: Advancing employability, entrepreneurship, and skills in HE

Universities can be part of the solution for many of the wider challenges governments face including AI and digital transformation. Universities can play a key role in guiding governments through the ethical and regulatory challenges that accompany these technological advancements and they can be part of the solution in developing an AI and digitally-enabled  workforce equipped with the skills needed for future technologies. As we look to align our regulatory and governance frameworks to keep up with the pace of change, universities serve as crucial hubs for research, innovation, analysis, digital skills and discourse, helping to navigate the complex landscape of AI's impact on society and employment.

Fostering sustainable and inclusive research ecosystems

Universities can be part of the solution for many of the wider challenges governments face including AI and digital transformation. Universities can play a key role in guiding governments through the ethical and regulatory challenges that accompany these technological advancements and they can be part of the solution in developing an AI and digitally-enabled  workforce equipped with the skills needed for future technologies. As we look to align our regulatory and governance frameworks to keep up with the pace of change, universities serve as crucial hubs for research, innovation, analysis, digital skills and discourse, helping to navigate the complex landscape of AI's impact on society and employment.

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