The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD)
The Southern African–Nordic Centre (SANORD) is a dynamic university network that unites 55 higher education institutions across the Nordic countries and Southern Africa. Its mission is to foster academic collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive joint initiatives in research and education. Through partnerships between universities, SANORD aims to address both regional and global challenges related to innovation, development, and sustainability.
The next major event within SANORD is the 2025 Annual Conference, taking place 13–15 August 2025, at Aarhus University in Denmark. This conference provides a valuable platform for researchers, administrators, and academic leaders from member institutions to engage in discussions, participate in parallel workshops and sessions, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Further details on the call for proposals and submission process can be found below.
Member countries
SANORD consists of universities from Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. By bringing together institutions from these regions, SANORD provides opportunities for collaboration that strengthen both academic and societal development.
Purpose of the Network
SANORD aims to enhance cooperation between its member universities by creating a platform for dialogue, research collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The network serves several key purposes:
- Promote collaboration in research and education to address both local and global challenges.
- Support member universities in meeting societal needs through joint initiatives and academic exchange.
- Act as a forum for academics and higher education leaders to engage in discussions on key issues.
- Facilitate the development of joint projects and research partnerships across disciplines.
- Serve as a resource for information and best practices within international academic cooperation.
- Provide a space for addressing contemporary societal challenges, including sustainability, equity, and innovation.
Upcoming event – SANORD 2025 Conference
One of the central activities within SANORD is its annual conference, which provides an opportunity for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students from member institutions to meet, exchange ideas, and establish new collaborations.
The SANORD 2025 Conference will be hosted by Aarhus University in Denmark 13–15 August 2025.
The theme of the conference, “Knowledge Economies in a Changing World”, will explore how global transformations and geopolitical shifts are influencing knowledge production, innovation, and higher education. Participants will engage in discussions on pressing societal challenges, including sustainability, equity, and the role of higher education in shaping a resilient and just future.
Why attend?
The conference offers a unique opportunity to take part in interdisciplinary discussions, connect with experts and peers, and contribute to shaping the future of knowledge economies. It provides a platform for researchers, policymakers, and educators to share insights, present research findings, and explore new possibilities for collaboration between Southern Africa and the Nordic region.
Key themes of the conference
Throughout the conference, participants will have the opportunity to engage in sessions focusing on a range of topics, including:
- Learning from Africa-Europe Partnerships in Research and Education, where participants will discuss strategies for fostering equitable collaboration and strengthening academic partnerships.
- Decolonial Technology Design, which will explore how technological innovations can support decolonial futures and contribute to solving global challenges.
- Building a Resilient and Functional Future for Nature and People, focusing on strategies to balance biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and economic development.
- Creative Economies in Africa: Platforms, Frameworks, and Impacts, examining the role of Africa’s rapidly growing creative industries in driving economic growth and sustainable development.
- Securing Futures Through Sustainable Water Management, addressing innovative approaches to ensuring water security in a changing climate.
By participating in the SANORD 2025 Conference, attendees will gain valuable insights into global academic collaborations, exchange ideas with experts, and contribute to discussions on how universities can play a role in shaping a more sustainable and just future.
SANORD 2025 Conference – Knowledge Economies in a Changing World (Aarhus University)
More information
More information about SANORD and the upcoming conference on SANORD's official website.