Universities from IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners are cordially invited to join the Indian Ocean University Network (UNIOR) as Founding Members. This initiative will be , set to launched on 15 November 2024 at Curtin University's Mauritius campus, and is aimed at fostering enhanceding academic collaboration and research across the Indian Ocean region.

Co-chaired by Professor Lina Pelliccione, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Curtin Mauritius, and Professor Sanjeev Sobhee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, UNIOR will provide a platform for universities to work together on issues crucial to the region. Building on the success of the annual short course on ‘International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region’, the Network will formally commence its activities on 1 July 2025.

Interested universities must be nominated by their IORA Member States or Dialogue Partners by 30 June 2025. For further information, universities are encouraged to consult their respective IORA National Focal Points.

UNIOR promises to be a cornerstone of academic collaboration in the region, promoting research, dialogue, and the development of expertise in fields essential to the sustainable growth of the Indian Ocean region.