WHO WE ARE
Based in Barcelona since 2004, OBREAL is an interregional cooperation association that brings together universities and associations of universities in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia. With a shared vision of building a sustainable interregional South – South – North(s) political dialogue and fostering cooperation in higher education and related matters based upon mutual respect and knowledge sharing.
Our intention is not to define (much less impose) a common or single policy. We seek to promote interregional cooperation and dialogue while accepting the existence of different policy approaches.
That is why OBREAL’s activity is premised upon the assumption that the political and demographic basis for international cooperation (and the leading role in it) lies in the South rather than the North. In emphasizing South – South collaboration, we conciously avoid the use of the term Global South. In the belief that there are different Souths with different realities and profiles that must establish dialogue and cooperate. Just as there are different Norths with different characteristics and realities [hence the expression North(s)].
OBREAL is committed to working in a cross-sectoral, multilingual, and cooperative manner to create innovative joint and interregional solutions to the development challenges common to various regions in the North and South.
Our vision and mission
We seek to promote dialogue and synergies between the governmental, academic, and social sectors, taking into consideration the specific circumstances and heterogeneity of each region.
Our goal is to create interregional bridges and cooperation, with a specific focus on enhancing development in the higher education and research sectors. We do so via interregional policy dialogue, knowledge production, collaborative multiregional and multilevel projects, and training and capacity building.
OUR Operating principles
OBREAL is an interregional association that recognizes the differences and heterogeneity that shape reality in different regions in the North and in the South. Therefore, OBREAL operates on the basis of this recognition.
OBREAL embraces multilingualism in its operations to come closer to the reality of its members and the societies in which they operate.
OBREAL embraces a digital, sustainable, and green approach in its work. By incorporating digital tools and constantly integrating new and creative technologies to facilitate the work between regions.
OUR Governance structure
General Assembly
The General Assembly is composed of all the members of the association and gathers at least once a year. The General Assembly appoints the members of the executive board and oversees the life of the association.
Executive President and Board of Directors
Appointed by the General Assembly, the President is the maximum authority of the association and represents the association in all its political and operational functions. The Board of Directors is chaired by the President, and is composed of the Vice President and four Directors. The Board of Directors is in charge of planning and monitoring the execution of the association’s strategy and its implementation.
Interregional Board
The Interregional Board is composed of the Chairs of OBREAL chapters in India, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The Interregional Board is an advisory group that monitors the application of the operational plan and the policy positions of the association in each region.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is a topical advisory group that serves the association, offering advice on the implementation of its projects and efforts. The Advisory Board and its members advise and support the association’s knowledge production.