On November 22 – 24, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Mahidol University, was invited to attend The IAU 2024 International Conference, themed “University Values in a Changing World”, at Sophia University, Japan. The conference highlighted the critical role of values of universities in addressing global challenges arising from dynamic changes in society, culture, politics, economy, and modern technology. The event brought together participants across the globe, consisting of the high-level leaders, academicians, and representatives from leading higher education institutions.
On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Mahidol University, also participated in a panel discussion titled “Leading Values-based International Cooperation?” with Prof. Emnet Tadesse Woldegiorgis, Director of the Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Sandra den Otter, Vice Provost Global Engagement, Queen’s University, Canada, and Prof. Jane Knight, Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, and Visiting Scholar at Sophia University, Japan. This session was moderated by Prof. Tawana Kupe, Vice Chancellor, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
The IAU 2024 International Conference was organized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) from November 22 – 24, 2024. The conference aimed to provide a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and fostering international collaboration to develop policies and strategies for universities to address contemporary global challenges. The discussions emphasized the importance of adhering to fundamental values, such as academic freedom, transparency, and research integrity, which are central to universities worldwide. Additionally, the conference sought to establish a roadmap to help universities adapt and create a positive impact on global society sustainably.
