Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends of International Higher Education

It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to the 27th Annual Conference of the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), set against the scenic backdrop of Stellenbosch — a town nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Western Cape. Taking place from 26 to 29 August 2025, this year’s conference is anchored in the timely and compelling theme: “Bridging Borders, Inspiring Solutions: Internationalisation for a Resilient and Inclusive Future.”

This gathering is far more than a traditional convening — it is a dynamic call to action, a collaborative space for bold thinking, and a strategic platform to reimagine the future of international higher education through an African lens. Together, we will engage critical conversations, forge equitable partnerships, and cultivate innovative pathways that centre resilience, inclusion, and Africa’s agency on the global stage.

In a world shaped by uncertainty, polarisation, and persistent global inequalities, we are challenged to imagine new futures — ones that do not merely replicate past paradigms, but instead embrace complexity, diversity, and transformation. Resilience, in this context, is not just about surviving disruptions; it is about reimagining systems, recalibrating partnerships, and reinforcing our collective capacity to respond to global challenges through inclusive, equitable, and meaningful collaboration.

As South Africa proudly continues its participation in the G20, representing not only its national interests but also echoing the collective voice of the African continent, we are reminded of the strategic role higher education must play in shaping global policy dialogues. At the nexus of knowledge, diplomacy, and development, internationalisation offers powerful tools for building bridges: across borders, sectors, and social divides. This conference presents an opportunity to explore how African higher education institutions, through partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose, can actively contribute to solutions that are local in relevance yet global in reach.

The 2025 conference will explore critical sub-themes, from the pursuit of equitable partnerships and the imperative for contextualised innovation, to the role of internationalisation in tackling climate change, driving digital transformation, and addressing historical and contemporary injustices. At the heart of these conversations lies a shared recognition: that resilience is cultivated, not conferred. It emerges through deep engagement, community-building, and a commitment to inclusive knowledge production that centres the voices and experiences of the Global South.

We must also reflect on the internal dimensions of our work — on how we implement internationalisation within our institutions in ways that are ethical, strategic, and sustainable. This includes confronting the persistent structural barriers faced by students, academics, and professionals navigating global mobility, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised communities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the future of internationalisation is accessible, just, and empowering for all.

I warmly invite you to join us in Stellenbosch — a town that embodies both the layered complexities of South Africa’s past and the hopeful possibilities of its future. Here, in this historically rich and intellectually vibrant setting, we will gather to engage in courageous dialogue, spotlight African-led innovation, and cultivate partnerships that transcend borders. Let us bridge divides with purpose, co-create solutions rooted in equity and mutual respect, and collectively shape a resilient and inclusive future for international higher education.

Yours sincerely,

Normah Zondo
President, International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA)