EAIE 2021: Bolder. Braver. Gothenburg.

As we gather for the Annual Conference in 2021, Gothenburg will also be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its official founding in 1621. From its humble origins as a trading town in the Thiry Years’ War, to its ascension to Swedish industrial powerhouse, to its rebirth as a modern mover and shaker, Gothenburg's penchant for boldness and history of reinventing itself in times of need make it the perfect host for our conference.

Green outlooks

Today, Gothenburg is making a name for itself as one of the world’s greenest cities – in terms of not only its expansive green spaces, but also its sustainable thinking. With an abundance of urban parks and its close proximity to the natural wonders of West Sweden, the laid-back city is heaven for nature enthusiasts. It offers forests, lakes, an impressive archipelago of 20 islands, stunning sea cliff views and more all nearby.

In terms of sustainability, the city has taken extensive steps towards becoming a low-carbon economy. The city has held the number one spot in the Global Destination Sustainability Index for the past four years, with 65% of public transport running on renewable energy and more than 90% of hotels being eco-certified. Due to its efforts on sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and culture, Gothenburg has also been awarded the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2020. It is this daring confidence and forward thinking that we hope will inspire the 2021 conference visitors.

Bolder. Braver. Go.

After recent conference themes calling on us to look outward, champion inclusion and think creatively, the theme of the 2021 EAIE Conference is in itself an urgent call to action and an assertion that the time for change is now. When thinking about Sweden, one may naturally be reminded of Greta Thunberg and her undeniable influence on the climate debate, defiantly calling upon world leaders and citizens to stop talking and start acting on climate change. The 2021 EAIE Conference in Gothenburg will be an opportunity for international higher education professionals to channel Greta's sense of urgency to take bolder and braver actions in wrestling with our shared global challenges.

Save the date

The call for session proposals will open in mid-September. We invite those accepted for the 2020 Barcelona programme to consider reworking their proposal for this new call for session and workshop ideas.

We hope you will join us in Gothenburg for the 2021 EAIE Conference and Exhibition, taking place 07–10 September 2021. The conference will be held at Gothia Towers, Gothenburg’s tallest building. We want to thank our 2021 local partners for their generous support and we look forward to a grand face-to-face reunion in this bold and inspiring city.