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2025 Talloires Network Declaration on the Future of Higher Education

November 18, 2025

In Solidarity We Lead, With Courage We Act

Our future is held in the hands of young people today. We have inherited a world marked by rising inequality, climate change, political violence, wars, displacement, and civic institutions under threat, including higher education. We are the faces, minds, and hearts of the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities. In solidary we lead, and with courage we act: we are building what the world urgently needs. We are both the stewards of physical university campuses and a global network of virtual spaces for learning and collective action. We acknowledge that learning happens both within and outside of university walls, that knowledge can and should be co-created with communities, and that leadership can be collective, intergenerational, and in kinship with the land.

Twenty years ago, university leaders gathered in Talloires, France, with a radical vision: universities must embrace their civic roles and social responsibilities. Brought to life by 29 presidents from 23 countries in 2005, today this idea has grown into a dynamic global network of 453 engaged universities across 93 nations. On the 20th anniversary of the Talloires Network, we commit to advancing this legacy by expanding this mission through the For Youth, By Youth movement.   

We are a movement of conscious young leaders rooted in engaged universities and communities. Our movement creates spaces for learning, connection, imagination, and civic action. We are the values-based civic infrastructure of engaged universities and a nimble network of virtual spaces where global citizens dismantle oppressive systems, while creating an environment for new habits and structures to take root and flourish. Our vision for the future of higher education is to meaningfully connect local and global communities; to establish and safeguard inclusive spaces where human rights are non-negotiable; to co-create knowledge while responding to pressing societal needs; to contribute to long-term solutions; and to build trusting and sustainable partnerships.  

 Community engagement and social responsibility are universities’ most valuable currency. Higher education stands at a crossroads: in times of crisis, institutions cannot remain detached, operating on the margins of society. Engaged universities must reimagine governance, priorities, and partnerships where learners, educators, and communities co-shape knowledge and solutions. This kind of engagement emphasizes civic responsibility, truth-telling, and repair; it is not extractive, nor is it charitable. In this way, engaged universities demonstrate how we can transform the world in which we live.  

 To regain relevance, higher education must demonstrate its purpose. Too many educational systems are preparing people for a world that no longer exists. No longer confined to theory or tradition, universities must become a living force for good, equipping us to act, care, and dare to shape a better world and future for all. Learning must remain at the core of human thriving, cultivating empathy, creativity, deep listening, and critical thinking. Conscious leadership and civic education must prepare us for livelihoods and for lives rooted in civic responsibility and hope. Education must serve all learners across their lifetimes, meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Education must be driven by an ambitious set of moral values. With this proposition, we nurture a culture of values such as kindness and respect, radical inclusivity, collaboration, humility, hope and levity, solidarity, and impact. The transformation of higher education is a journey that requires conscious leaders who uphold these values. 

 To solve multiple intersecting crises, education must evolve into regenerative, living systems rooted in community. Many universities or parts of universities remain “ivory towers,” promoting competition over collaboration, and contributing to societal inequities. Current models of access and recognition frequently exclude marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and forcibly displaced people. We call on universities to represent all members of society at large, to be the force that speaks truth to power and the force that normalizes and legitimizes empathy as the center of learning and belonging for all as the ideal to be reached. We envision education as a seamless ecosystem across all levels of schooling, where every learner around the world can contribute, receive, and thrive. We urge universities to take responsibility for the direction and impact of technologies like artificial intelligence that are reshaping society. Youth must be co-creators in solving global challenges, while universities steward safe spaces for critical discourse and shared learning. By uniting and supporting learners, universities too may adapt to change while creating systems to sustain human dignity, well-being, and intergenerational knowledge.  

With the Talloires Network, we pledge to be good predecessors, sustainable stewards of land and resources, and better neighbors, investing in reciprocal relationships, experiential learning, and accessible spaces for dialogue and collaboration. We commit to sustaining this work by collecting and sharing resources with partners who share our values and vision. 

On November 18, 2025, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Talloires Network with the first youth-written Talloires Network Declaration, in collaboration with more than 100 leaders from 27 countries around the world.  

Collaborators 

Student Leaders 

  1. Moses Aningiba Abanga, Kwame Nkrumah University (Ghana) 
  2. Dina Laith Al-Amood, American University of Beirut (Lebanon) 
  3. Ali Omar Ali Shammakh, American University of Beirut (Lebanon) 
  4. Faiza Arshad, Effat University (Saudi Arabia) 
  5. Naome Ayebale, Makerere University (Uganda) 
  6. Samuel Oliaha Peter Amok, University of Rwanda (Rwanda) 
  7. Ben Riak Changdar Jor, Ashesi University (Ghana) 
  8. Harunah Damba, Makerere University (Uganda) 
  9. Halima Ismail Dolif, Kenyatta University (Kenya) 
  10. Angel Jose Solis Dominguez, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) 
  11. Bakhile Dlamini Funwako, University of Cape Town (South Africa/United Kingdom) 
  12. Layefa Ernest, University of Edinburgh (Scotland) 
  13. Lucky Buhlebodwa Geluk, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  14. Mercy Koti Fri, Redemption Higher Institute (Cameroon) 
  15. Nathanael Irivuzumuremyi, University of Rwanda (Rwanda) 
  16. Nour Elyakine Kaddeche, American University of Beirut (Lebanon) 
  17. Samantha Katsande, University of Edinburgh (Scotland) 
  18. Cameron Noah Keighron, University of Galway (Ireland) 
  19. Cindy Wanyika Kilonzo, Ashesi University (Ghana) 
  20. Catherina Dogmo Kuetezang, University of Pretoria (South Africa) 
  21. Nandini Tanya Lallmon, University of Pretoria (South Africa) 
  22. Khomotjo Elvis Mabusela, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  23. Michel Rutendo Mandiopera, University of Edinburgh (Zimbabwe/United Kingdom) 
  24. Beti Mekonen, University of Pretoria (South Africa) 
  25. Mbali Yolanda Mgulwa, University of Pretoria (South Africa) 
  26. Ruvarashe Mbizvo, Kwame Nkrumah University (Ghana) 
  27. Ayanda Mwambetania, Kwame Nkrumah University (Ghana) 
  28. Sandra Naikambo, Makerere University (Uganda) 
  29. Marc Nathanson, Stellenbosch University (South Africa) 
  30. Hellena Nuwagaba, University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom/Uganda) 
  31. Olwakhe Nziza, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  32. Promise Nyalungu, University of Venda (South Africa) 
  33. Patrick Oyenga, Jomo Kenyatta University (Kenya) 
  34. Daniel (Nana) Muigai Patrick, Kenyatta University (Kenya) 
  35. Ashley Melaine Poutum, American University of Beirut (Lebanon) 
  36. Fadi Salahedin, HEC Paris (France) 
  37. Keila Contreras Santos, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) 
  38. Beatrice Somuah, University of British Columbia (Canada) 
  39. Mohak Thukral, O.P. Jindal Global University (India) 
  40. Maureen Wangui, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 

 University Leaders 

  1. Dr. Tim Eatman, Rutgers University (United States) 
  2. Dr. Maria Ivanova, Northeastern University (United States) 
  3. Prof. Suan Phaik Khoo, IMU University (Malaysia) 
  4. Prof. Nico N. Koopman, Stellenbosch University (South Africa) 
  5. Yaw Kwakyi, Bard College/Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century (Ghana) 
  6. Dr. Lorlene Hoyt, Talloires Network of Engaged Universities/Tufts University (United States) 
  7. Dr. Marisol Morales, Carnegie Classifications (United States) 
  8. Dr. Yves Solomon-Fernandez, Urban College of Boston (United States) 
  9. Asli Acar, Sabanci University (Turkey)  
  10. Kenedy Abendong, Gracious University (Cameroon)  
  11. Cynthia Adu, University of Ghana (Ghana)  
  12. Elvis Akomoneh, Access Care Institute (Cameroon)  
  13. Zeynep Bahar, Sabanci University (Turkey)  
  14. Jonathan Becker, Bard College (United States)  
  15. Henry Buregea, LivingStone University (Uganda)  
  16. Erin Cannan, Bard College (United States)  
  17. Samia Huq, BRAC University (Bangladesh)  
  18. Haifa Jamal Al-Leil, Effat University (Saudi Arabia)  
  19. Peter Kirira, Mount Kenya University (Kenya)  
  20. Cliona Maher, University College Cork (Ireland)  
  21. Pakiname Mamdouh, American University of Cairo (Egypt)  
  22. Shwetha Nair, Central European University (Austria)  
  23. Sonwabo Ngcelwane, University of Cape Town (South Africa)  
  24. Chevaan Peters, Stellenbosch University (South Africa)  
  25. Fahmida Rahman, BRAC University (Bangladesh)  
  26. Julian Skyrme, University of Manchester (United Kingdom)  
  27. Kyaw Moe Tun, Parami University (Myanmar)  
  28. Lynn Pierson, Bucknell University (United States)  
  29. Lisa Zuppe, Effat University (Saudi Arabia)  
  30. Victoria Fontan, American University of Afghanistan (Afghanistan)  
  31. Ghina Harb, Lebanese American University (Lebanon)  
  32. Genevieve James, University of South Africa (South Africa)  
  33. Abi Kelly, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland)  
  34. Daphney Makgoba, University of Cape Town (South Africa)  
  35. Kevin McGuigan, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland)  
  36. Nakisani Nemadozi, University of Venda (South Africa)  
  37. Phumelele Nokele, University of South Africa (South Africa)  
  38. Joseph North, University of St Andrews (United Kingdom)  
  39. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, University of Ghana (Ghana)  
  40. Kwame Obeng-Yeboah, University of Ghana (Ghana)  
  41. Christian Joon Park, Hanyang University (South Korea) 
  42. Nieves Segovia, Universidad Camilo José Cela (Spain)  
  43. Rabih Shibli, American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

Community and Other Leaders 

  1. Anonymous Interviewee, Bard College (United States) 
  2. Anonymous Interviewee, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  3. Sean Paul Abrahams, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  4. Velina Batchvarov, University of Massachusetts Boston (United States/Bulgaria) 
  5. Andrew Cudzo Amenuvor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) 
  6. Joseph Batheng, University of Juba (South Sudan) 
  7. Yuanis Geng Bieth, University of Bhar El Ghazal (South Sudan) 
  8. Samuel Budoi, Binghamton University (Kenya) 
  9. Priscilla Cudjoe, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) 
  10. Zinhle Geluk, Eduvos and Parliament of South Africa (South Africa) 
  11. Emmanuel Elikem Kpeli, Ashesi University (Ghana) 
  12. Bushiratu Alira Kumuriwor, American University of Beirut Alumni (Ghana) 
  13. Brian Macharia, PACEmaker International (Kenya) 
  14. John Mburu, Artist/Actor (Kenya) 
  15. Mosa Moshabela, University of Cape Town (South Africa) 
  16. Pascal M. Muzungu, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) 
  17. Samuel Njuguna, Kenya School of Law (Kenya) 
  18. Caitlin O’Donnell, Talloires Network of Engaged Universities/Tufts University (United States) 
  19. James Thuo, KCA University (Kenya) 
  20. Nteranya A. Sanginga, Future Africa (Kenya) 
  21. Val Wiggett, African Leadership Academy / Gordon Institute of Business Science (South Africa)