From 13 to 15 August 2025, Aarhus University in Denmark warmly welcomed academics, practitioners, students and research leaders from across Southern Africa and the Nordic region to convene under the evocative theme, “Knowledge Economies in a Changing World”.

Framed against the backdrop of shifting global orders, climate threats and evolving power dynamics, the conference served as a dynamic platform for interrogating how universities can navigate these challenges, champion equity, and foster sustainable, decolonial knowledge economies.

It also highlighted the central role of student voices in shaping the future of higher education.

The key themes explored at SANORD 2025 tackled a rich diversity of topics through keynote addresses, panels, roundtables and special interest sessions, including:
 

• Global Shifts and New Alliances:Reframing traditional academic partnerships between African and Western institutions in light of emerging global powers.
• Decolonial Knowledge Production: Reflecting on how universities can reshape knowledge systems toward greater equity.
• Universities as Agents of Change: Envisioning new roles for higher education in addressing climate, inequality and sustainable development.
• Building Resilient Futures for Nature and People: Emphasising integrative strategies for ecosystem well-being through One Health and nature-based solutions.
• Power and Knowledge: Exploring whose knowledge is prioritised and how to navigate intellectual hierarchies.
• Brain Drain/Gain and Knowledge Flows: Examining the movement of talent and knowledge, and how to ensure local and global academic benefits.

   

Distinguished voices, prominent thought leaders and academics shared their insights, including:

• Prof Divine Fuh, Head of Anthropology, University of Cape Town
• Prof Ole Wæver, Centre for Resolution of International Conflicts, University of Copenhagen
• Dr Sylvie Namwase, Makerere University School of Law
• Ms Tove Degnbol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark
• Dr Samuels, SANORD Board Chair, Durban University of Technology
• Ms Birgitte Markussen, Danish Special Representative for the Great Lakes and the Sahel
• Dr Odirilwe Selomane, University of Pretoria

Prominent keynote speakers, including Prof Divine Fuh (University of Cape Town), Prof Ole Wæver (University of Copenhagen), and Dr Sylvie Namwase (Makerere University), engaged with questions of equity, power and the role of universities in driving social change.

For students in attendance, these discussions reinforced the urgency of building inclusive and decolonial education systems, while providing space to reflect on how their own research journeys contribute to global challenges.

The conference was more than just academic exchange; it became a celebratory convergence of vision.

One day stood out as especially poignant: a day defined by meaningful dialogue, joyful connections, shared reflections and a collective reaffirmation of the transformative power of higher education. 

Prof Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen, former Rector of Aarhus University and one of the founding figures of SANORD, delivered a powerful address reflecting on the network’s journey since its establishment.

He highlighted the emergence of the “African Century”, a demographic transformation positioning Africa at the centre of the global agenda in the 21st century.

He urged delegates to embrace “brain circulation” over brain drain, calling for resilient ecosystems of talent built through academic mobility, collaborative research and long-term partnerships.

He concluded with an inspiring toast: 
“To Africa’s century. 
To the power of universities.
To meaningful partnerships.
And to the work we share in building a more inclusive, connected, and knowledgeable world.”

As one student reflected: “SANORD 2025 reminded us that our voices matter. We are not just the next generation of researchers, we are already part of the solutions shaping tomorrow.”

Spotlight on Young Research Talent: SANORD 3MT Competition

A highlight of the conference was the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) regional contest. After fierce competition, two PhD candidates emerged as regional champions:

• Southern African Winner: Eurinah Koeras from the University of the Western Cape, presenting, "Grey Hair, Aging and a Growing Prostate: The Search for a Natural Solution," a study addressing prostate health through natural therapeutic exploration.
• Nordic Winner: Marit Sandberg from the University of Bergen, presenting, "Childbearing in Women with Heart Disease," a vital investigation into maternal health and cardiac conditions.

These winners represented the next generation of SANORD researchers - passionate, innovative, and deeply committed to making an impact.

SANORD 2025 in Aarhus was a true tapestry of:

• Informed urgency as the academic community addressed shifting global knowledge dynamics.
• Collaborative spirit bringing together voices across regions, disciplines and generations.
• Hopeful ambition rooted in decolonial aspirations, sustainability, and social equity.

From deep panel discussions to the fiery passion of the 3MT competition, the conference captured SANORD’s core values: academic excellence, equity-driven collaboration, and meaningful societal impact. The conference provided students with insight into how universities are navigating global shifts and reaffirmed their role as active contributors to knowledge economies. Importantly, sessions were not only designed for students, but also included students as partners in the conversation.