On the occasion of the French Presidency of the G7, ACA member Campus France hosted an important meeting of the directors of G7+ national higher education promotion agencies. Under the theme “Shaping the future of international higher education: opportunities and challenges for the decade ahead”, the gathering took place in Paris, on 23 and 24 March 2026, and marked an important step in reinforcing dialogue among national agencies and in shaping a common vision for the decade ahead. 

The two-day meeting combined strategic discussions and the exchange of best practices between partner organisations. The opening sessions highlighted the evolving global context of higher education, marked by growing geopolitical tensions and imbalances, as well as demographic changes. A keynote address by Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD set the stage for discussions on how higher education systems can navigate disruption. 

Key themes addressed include the impact of demographic shifts on global mobility and the need to promote more balanced, circular mobility patterns. Participants explored how to avoid increased competition for talent and instead foster cooperative approaches. Workshops focused on pressing challenges, such as threats to academic freedom and the adaptation of international higher education cooperation in contexts of geopolitical conflict. These discussions stated the importance of safeguarding academic values and maintaining collaboration even in sensitive environments. 

The second day focused on emerging trends and particularly on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in international higher education, with case studies illustrating national and institutional approaches. A forward-looking roundtable also examined how internationalisation can become more inclusive, equitable and sustainable over the coming years. 

The joint declaration resulting from the meeting showcases the shared commitment of a broad group of national promotion agencies to academic freedom, to support for students and researchers at risk and to the promotion of inclusive and sustainable mobility frameworks. It also calls for strengthened coordination to address global challenges collectively.