The Global University Partnerships Forum was conceived in 2020 in response to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to international higher education and research collaboration. It was created to complement ongoing exchange and collaboration initiatives developed by universities and their national networks and associations. It will identify avenues for joint action to further enhance the links between university associations and their relationships with member institutions. In addition, the Forum will advocate the vital role of associations as a vehicle for joint actions within and across regions.