The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) is pleased to invite you to the 3rd General Conference (GC) of Asia-Pacific Rectors, to be held on November 11, 2026, at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh, in the presence of Prof. Slim Khalbous, Rector of AUF.

As the annual gathering of our regional conference, this year’s event will take place in Phnom Penh, as the city hosts the 20th Francophonie Summit, marking the return of the Francophonie to Asia twenty-nine years after the historic 1997 Hanoi Summit. It is part of the Asia-Pacific Francophone Scientific Cycle (APFSC), co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) of the Kingdom of Cambodia and AUF.

This General Conference is of a truly exceptional nature. As the first of the 2026–2029 term, it will inaugurate the new governance structure of the Asia-Pacific C2R: the new presidency, the new executive board, and the new regional commissions will be presented at this event. The presidency was selected through an online vote held in advance, in conjunction with all the C2R presidencies from the other AUF regions, making this transition a defining moment for the C2R network.

This General Assembly will also serve as the setting for the launch of the AUF’s new 2026–2029 Strategy, as adopted at the 19th AUF General Assembly, held in Dakar in November 2025. The APFSC, of which it is a part, will also bring together academic stakeholders from other regions of the world. 

The gala dinner on November 11, co-organized with the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS), will be attended by high-ranking officials and will bring together all APFSC participants.

Preliminary Program for the General Conference:

• Opening Ceremony

• Inauguration of the new leadership: introduction of the new presidency, the new executive committee, and the new commissions of C2R Asia-Pacific

• Launch of the AUF’s 2026–2029 Strategy

• Committee sessions, the highlight of the conference: definition of the major work programs and deliverables for the term.

• Two themes will be common to the ten C2Rs across all regions: “Peace and Conflict Management” and “Climate Change”

• Defining priorities for intra- and inter-regional collaboration within the framework of the new AUF Strategy 2026–2029

• Networking: meetings and exchanges between members of the Asia-Pacific C2R and their international partners, particularly those from France and Canada

Target audience of the General Conference: PHA and delegated PHA

According to the statutes of the C2R, representation of a C2R member institution is assigned to the PHA (Highest Authority) currently in office at the institution. If the PHA delegates this responsibility, the designated person must be a serving member of the institution’s executive leadership (rectorate)—for example, vice‑president, vice‑rector—formally appointed in writing and vested with decision‑making authority on behalf of the institution within the framework of C2R projects.

Financial Arrangements

For PHA representatives or delegates who are members of senior management

The General Conference will be co-funded as follows:

The AUF will cover meals for all participants as per the conference program:

• 2 lunches: November 11–12

• Standard dinner on November 10

• Gala dinner: November 11

• Coffee breaks during the conference

The AUF will cover accommodation costs (two nights, November 10 and 11) for C2R Asia-Pacific members coming from cities other than Phnom Penh who have confirmed their attendance

PHA representatives or delegates from C2R Asia-Pacific member institutions are responsible for their own travel expenses (airfare, train, bus, etc.) to the General Conference venue, as well as their insurance costs

For delegates who are not members of the executive board or accompanying persons

Registration fee: €140 per person.

This fee includes

• Meals: 2 lunches: November 11–12

• Coffee breaks during the conference

• Standard dinner on November 10

• Gala dinner: November 11

Accommodations: Participants are responsible for their own accommodation costs. However, the AUF may assist them in booking a room at the same hotel as the main participants, subject to availability.

Travel (airfare, train fare, etc.) and insurance: to be paid by participants

Timeline

• Launch of the call for registration: 1 July 2026

• Registration deadline: 1 September 2026