International Association of Universities
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is a membership-led non-governmental organization working in the field of higher education. It comprises more than 650 higher education institutions and organizations in some 130 countries. IAU is an official partner of UNESCO. The IAU secretariat is based in Paris and is located at the headquarters of UNESCO. History. IAU was created under the auspices of UNESCO on 9 December 1950 during the International Conference of Universities in Nice. Its goal was and remains to encourage cooperation among institutions of higher education worldwide. Governance. The governing bodies of  the IAU are the General Assembly and the Administrative Board. The Secretariat implements the strategy adopted by the governing bodies. Members. As of 1 January 2017, the International Association of Universities comprised more than 650 members (institutions, organizations, affiliates and associates) in some 130 countries around the world.