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Launch of the IORA Indian Ocean University Network (UNIOR) at Curtin University’s campus in Mauritius
15 November 2024   |   Events

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Salman Al Farisi, formally launched the IORA Indian Ocean University Network (UNIOR) at Curtin University’s campus in Mauritius on 15 November 2024. UNIOR aims to serve as a dynamic regional academic platform promoting higher education and research collaboration to address sustainable development priorities, strengthen leadership and institutional capacity, and foster regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean.

 

The Launch Forum featured a keynote address on “Sustainability Transformations: Implications for the Indian Ocean Region” by Professor Maano Ramutsindela, Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations at the University of Cape Town/University of Pretoria, South Africa. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Building University Collaboration for Sustainable Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region”, featuring Mr Al Farisi, Professor Ramutsindela, H.E. Kate Chamley, Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Professor Françoise Driver, SSR Chair in African Studies, University of Mauritius, and Professor Ajay Dubey, former Rector, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.

 

 

UNIOR is guided by three core objectives:

 

  • Regional University Collaboration – delivering impactful research and education initiatives aligned with IORA Priority Areas and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Developing Regional Leaders and Institutions – facilitating exchanges between students, academics, and university leaders to build expertise, capacity, and “IOR literacy” across the Indian Ocean Rim academic community.
  • Supporting IORA’s Region-Building – fostering a transnational Indian Ocean community, promoting regional identity, and strengthening institutional capacity for cooperation.

 

The Network’s design was led by Associate Professor David Mickler, Curtin’s Dean Global, Africa, in consultation with IORAG members, the IORA Secretariat, partner universities, and experts. UNIOR will operate on an institutional membership model, convene an annual High-Level Forum, offer regional short courses, collaborative research seed grants, and academic exchanges, with operations commencing 1 July 2025.

 

The launch coincided with the conclusion of the annual IORA short course on “International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region”, which brings together students and academic staff from nine regional partner universities to study regional dynamics, foster cross-cultural awareness, and strengthen professional networks. UNIOR builds on the strong foundations of this collaborative academic initiative and marks a significant step in advancing IORA’s vision for regional education, research, and sustainable development.