Dear colleagues and friends,
On 7 November 2019, I sent a request into the academic world: set aside one day each year for universities. I have spent most of my life inside universities, as a student, as a professor, as an adviser, and as a leader. I know what they give, and I know how rarely anyone stops to say so.
Every year, the world celebrates causes, professions and ideas, each on its own day. The university is never among them. Yet the doctor who treats our children, the engineer who builds our bridges and the teacher who opens a young mind were all formed in one. More than 35,000 universities serve their cities quietly, and most of them are never seen beyond their own walls.
I do not ask for applause. I ask for one day, the same day everywhere: a day when a small college and a famous university stand as equals, when students thank a professor in public, and when families walk through the gates and see what happens inside.
That day is 7 November. The World Universities Foundation now carries the call, and we are taking it further. Starting now, WUF is taking every step needed to inform the United Nations of the International Day of Universities and to ask that it be proclaimed an international day, as soon as possible.
I invite you to take part. Found the day with us at FC27, 26 to 29 January 2027, in Antalya, Türkiye, endorse it now, join the global team, send us your ideas, or simply tell others. Write to me at connect@idu.news.
With warm regards,
Prof. Bassem Khafagy
