EAHEA Proclaims June 19 as International Higher Education Day

On January 6, 2020, the Board of Directors of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) proclaimed June 19 as International Higher Education Day, to be observed annually around the world. The proclamation was made at the proposal of Dr. Mehmet Selcuk Batal, European Senior Auditor of EAHEA, and was signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors.

EAHEA congratulates universities, educators, researchers and students everywhere on the establishment of this day and wishes everyone a meaningful celebration every year on June 19.

What the Day Stands For

International Higher Education Day recognizes the role of higher education in advancing human potential, promoting peace and sustainability, and fostering scientific, social and economic development. It rests on three convictions: higher education is not a privilege but a right that must be protected, strengthened and made accessible to all; universities are incubators for innovation; and higher education institutions are pillars of democratic societies, civic responsibility and intercultural dialogue.

Why June 19?

The date was selected in recognition of the historic signing of the Bologna Declaration on June 19, 1999, a milestone in building a unified and inclusive European Higher Education Area. EAHEA chose it to turn that moment into a symbol of global academic cooperation.

The Official Declaration

This is the text of the proclamation signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors on January 6, 2020.

We, the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA), hereby proclaim June 19th as the International Higher Education Day, to be observed annually around the world.

On this day, we recognize the critical role of higher education in advancing human potential, promoting peace and sustainability, and fostering scientific, social, and economic development. Higher education is not a privilege, but a right that must be protected, strengthened, and made accessible to all.

Higher education institutions serve as pillars of democratic societies and incubators for innovation, civic responsibility, and intercultural dialogue. On this occasion, we celebrate universities, educators, researchers, and students who shape the future with their knowledge and dedication.

June 19 has been selected in recognition of the historic signing of the Bologna Declaration in 1999, a milestone in building a unified and inclusive European Higher Education Area, and now, a symbol of global academic cooperation.

We invite universities, governments, academic bodies, students, and civil society around the world to join us in commemorating this day through dialogue, collaboration, and concrete actions that promote excellence, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Let this day be a catalyst for a future where higher education transcends borders, empowers individuals, and transforms societies.

Signed by the EAHEA Board of Directors, January 6, 2020.

Join the Celebration

Universities, governments, academic bodies, students and civil society organizations from every country are invited to mark the day through dialogue, collaboration and concrete action: public discussions, conferences, open days, student-led activities and words of thanks to the educators and communities who make learning possible. Read more on our International Higher Education Day page or visit the official IHED website to register an event and download the toolkit.