State University of Trade and Economics (SUTE) has become a member of the International Association of Universities (IAU). This is a significant step forward in implementing SUTE's internationalization strategy, expanding its partner network, and strengthening its position in the global educational landscape.

Joining the association opens up new opportunities for the university's students, faculty, and researchers:

• Global Partnership: access to collaboration with over 600 leading higher education institutions from more than 130 countries worldwide.
• Academic Mobility: expansion of exchange programs, joint scientific research, and participation in international grant projects.
• International Expertise: participation in conferences, webinars, and expert working groups on digitalization, innovation, and the transformation of higher education.

Founded in 1950 under the auspices of UNESCO, the International Association of Universities is a leading global, independent non-governmental organization that brings together higher education institutions from around the world. IAU is an official UNESCO partner with associate status, holds special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and has participatory status with the Council of Europe.
The association strives to serve as the global voice of higher education and a think tank for knowledge sharing. Its mission is to promote peace and human development by strengthening the impact of higher education, building its capacity, supporting innovation, and identifying solutions to global and local challenges.

Key Goals and Areas of Activity:

• Promoting knowledge about the role of higher education in societal development.
• Fostering academic mobility and international cooperation.
• Supporting the principles of academic freedom and university autonomy.
• Ensuring equal access to quality education and open knowledge.
• Implementing sustainable development strategies in line with UN goals.

In its activities, the association is guided by the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and social responsibility. The IAU advocates for academic integrity, ethical conduct, equal access to knowledge, tolerance of diverse views, and the recognition of higher education and research as a public good.

Tamara Kortukova,
Head of the International Relations Office