The Strategic Plan 2025-30 is a refreshed vision for The Road to 2030.
Since the inception of ‘The Road to 2030’ in 2019, the geopolitical and economic environment has become significantly less stable. The Covid pandemic, rising international tensions and conflicts, along with a continuation of the trend away from globalisation, have led to a fundamental shift in the context in which the ACU and its members operate.
Partly in response to those changes, the ACU’s refreshed 'Road to 2030’ places emphasis on what makes it distinctive – being an accredited Commonwealth organisation with a formal role in representing higher education and supporting policy development for Commonwealth governments.
The ACU’s reimagined vision and mission emphasise its ambition of being the voice of Commonwealth universities, using its accredited status to provide platforms to its members and their impact, and supporting Commonwealth member states to deliver their commitments.
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Vision: A strong, active and connected Commonwealth higher education community that is working together to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
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Mission: To be the voice of Commonwealth universities, supporting them to collaborate and advance their contribution to sustainable development.
“The Road to 2030 focuses on the ACU’s unparalleled combination of commonality and diversity in its membership. We will continue to be the voice of Commonwealth universities in global fora, and to convene our members around some of the most pressing challenges for the Commonwealth – such as education, health and climate resilience. Through this and on the basis of co-creation through equitable partnerships, we will combine delivering value to our members with achieving impact on the world of higher education and wider society.”
Professor Colin Riordan CBE
ACU’s Secretary General and Chief Executive
Three long-term goals, the backbone of ‘The Road to 2030’, set out how the ACU will work with its members and partners to strengthen higher education, support sustainable development and connect engaged leaders.
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Strengthen Commonwealth Universities: In a landscape of rising demands, shrinking budgets, and rapid change, we empower our member universities to meet challenges, fulfil their missions, and widen access to higher education.
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Support sustainable development: Universities play a crucial role in generating solutions to complex global challenges. We enhance this contribution and leverage our multilateral role and Commonwealth connections to amplify the impact and expertise of our members.
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Connect engaged leaders: In a polarised and ever-changing world, international collaboration is key. From vice-chancellors to rising-star researchers and students, we support our members to develop their skills, knowledge and networks.
“The ACU's ambition will be delivered by deepening our membership engagement, working in strategic partnership and drawing not only on our strong brand and reputation, but, crucially, on our Commonwealth identity. On behalf of the ACU Council, I would like to thank everyone involved in the development of the next chapter of The Road to 2030.”
Professor Cheryl de la Rey
ACU’s Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand
