4. Why now
A call that has waited for its home.
The International Day of Universities was first proposed by Prof. Bassem Khafagy on 7 November 2019, as a worldwide call to set aside one day each year to celebrate the roles and achievements of universities. The call has been renewed since, carried by the IDU logo and by IDU.news. On 7 November 2026, WUF announced it to the world, and IDU.news became the home of the day.
Why now
Now the day has a home large enough to carry it. The World Universities Foundation brings the voice of all universities together, so the call can become a decision, and the decision a tradition. Universities face rapid change in technology, funding and public trust. A day that shows their value to society is needed now, not later. That is why WUF is also taking the call to the United Nations, to ask that 7 November be proclaimed the International Day of Universities.
The next step is close. From 26 to 29 January 2027, at FC27, the WUF Founders’ Council in Antalya, Türkiye, the day will receive its Initiative Founders and its Founding Board. They will carry it through the year to its adoption on 7 November 2027.
