IAU provides a special forum for its organizational Members - the Global Meeting of Associations (GMA). It is a meeting exclusively for leaders of national, regional and international associations and organizations of higher education institutions. The sessions offer a unique opportunity to meet among peers to exchange ideas and best practices, and to network. In addition, the meetings are a space for mutual learning which allows to boost international cooperation and develop joint initiatives of importance for the higher education sector and for society at large.
The GMA convenes face-to-face every two year in conjunction with the International Conference, rotating in the different regions of the world. In between the face-to-face meeting, the GMA convenes online on a regular basis.