SANORD 2025 in Aarhus – A Day of Vision, Connection, and Celebration

The SANORD 2025 Conference in Aarhus unfolded as a day rich with thought-provoking dialogue, celebration, and renewed commitment to higher education as a force for transformation.

13 August 2025, Aarhus University – Denmark

The day began with a warm Welcome by Aarhus University’s Pro-Rector, Berit Eika, setting the tone for an event grounded in collaboration, critical thinking, and shared aspirations. This was followed by the Brian O’Connell SANORD Lecture, delivered by Prof. Divine Fuh, which honoured the legacy of the late Prof. Brian O’Connell. In keeping with O’Connell’s belief in universities as agents of change, Prof. Fuh’s address tackled the urgent societal and social justice imperatives of the knowledge project in an era of deep geopolitical divides.

Through the lens of decoloniality, Prof. Fuh challenged delegates to consider: What role can universities, research, and global partnerships play in healing current polarisation? Can Africa, as theory, offer the world new frameworks for more ethical and respectful global relationships? Drawing on the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations, he argued that African epistemologies can reset global relationships, revitalise the public mission of universities, and reimagine knowledge as a transformative endeavour.

Midday, university leaders gathered for the Rectors’ Lunch, hosted by Aarhus University, providing space for high-level networking and frank discussion about the shared challenges and opportunities in higher education.

The day culminated in the SANORD Cocktail Reception, where Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen, former Rector of Aarhus University and a founding figure in SANORD’s history, delivered a stirring speech. He reflected on the network’s growth since its inception, emphasising the coming “African Century” a demographic shift placing Africa at the heart of the 21st century’s global agenda. Holm-Nielsen called for “brain circulation” rather than brain drain, urging delegates to foster resilient ecosystems of talent through mobility, co-authored research, and long-term partnerships.

Closing his address, Holm-Nielsen raised a 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.”

The evening’s atmosphere was one of celebration and connection, with delegates enjoying vibrant entertainment from a local choir, further underscoring the spirit of cultural exchange that defines SANORD.

From critical reflections on decoloniality to calls for inclusive knowledge societies, the day reaffirmed SANORD’s role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships between the Global North and South. As the conference continues, the message is clear: collaboration, respect, and visionary leadership remain the keys to a more equitable global knowledge future.

 full speech

Cocktail Speech – SANORD Conference “Knowledge Economies in a Changing World”

Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen, Aarhus University, Wednesday 13th August 2025,

SANORD_Cocktail_Speech