Message from the AC21 Director

As I undertake my final duty as the AC21 Director, it is with a heavy heart that I must announce the imminent closure of the AC21 University network at the close of March 2023. This decision was made after extensive deliberation and consideration of the evolving landscape of academia and the changing demands placed on universities. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to all our members and board members for their unwavering support and commitment throughout our tenure. It is with great pride that we can reflect upon the significant contributions that the AC21 network has made in successfully unifying each of our members and fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

From its inception, AC21 was established with the noble objective of unifying universities and facilitating meaningful dialogue about their impact on society. In pursuit of this goal, we have hosted a diverse range of initiatives and events, including the IF, SWF, IGS, and SPF conferences over the past 20 years. We have also endeavored to extend our reach beyond our membership, inviting students from non-member universities to engage with our community and embrace our shared mission. Through these endeavors, we have achieved a great deal, building a rich legacy of accomplishment, and establishing lasting relationships that will endure long after the dissolution of the AC21 network.

It is a testament to the quality and impact of our work that the reputation of AC21 is widely respected and admired across the world. Though the name AC21 will fade from the academic landscape, our friendship and network will continue to endure indefinitely. In fact, we are committed to maintaining and expanding upon our valuable network of relationships even after the closure of AC21, through the establishment of the AC21 Legacy Fund. This fund will serve as a tribute to the great work that we have accomplished and will enable us to continue to organize new and innovative events that bring together academic and intellectual leaders from around the world.

Looking forward, we are excited to announce that the Universities of Stellenbosch, Freiburg, and Strasbourg will host the AC21 Legacy Symposium in November 2023. This event will bring together scholars and academics from around the world to engage in meaningful discussion about the future of academia and the role that academic consortia can play in addressing the pressing global challenges of our time, particularly in relation to SDGs 3, 7, and 9. Through this symposium, we hope to chart a path forward for academic cooperation and collaboration that will enable us to continue to make meaningful contributions to society and improve the status quo.

Hideki Kasuya
Director, AC21 General Secretariat
Nagoya University

 

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