New Global Network on Widening Access in Higher Education Launched

A new global network has been launched to address inequalities in access to higher education. The World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN) brings together academics, universities, foundations, NGOs, and policymakers worldwide to tackle the challenges of achieving equity in higher education.

The official launch, held on Human Rights Day at Ruskin College, Oxford, included participants from across the globe, both in person and online. Discussions highlighted ongoing barriers to creating diverse and inclusive student populations, as well as how rising populism threatens existing efforts to improve access.

A Vision for Global Equity in Higher Education

WAHEN’s goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from higher education opportunities.

Professor Graeme Atherton, director of the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON), emphasized:

“The launch of WAHEN is a call to action for everyone who believes in the transformative power of education. The right to higher education should be universal, not conditional.”

WAHEN will focus on several key activities:

• Capacity Building: Sharing best practices in teaching, access, student success, and outreach to enhance equity in higher education.
• Collaboration: Creating global partnerships between organizations to achieve shared goals around equity.
• Convening: Uniting stakeholders across sectors and countries to drive change.
• Advocacy: Working with governments and policymakers to promote equitable access to higher education.
• Critical Thinking: Developing and sharing knowledge about effective equity strategies worldwide.

Tackling Global Challenges

Professor Atherton noted that WAHEN will address long-standing issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, poverty, and personal circumstances affecting students. He stressed the importance of innovation and disruption in higher education to make a meaningful impact.

He also highlighted the need to adapt to the communication styles of today’s students:

“Young people now engage with platforms many of us don’t fully understand. We need to create a network that connects with them effectively.”

WAHEN aims to provide a space for higher education institutions to collaborate and overcome both local and global challenges, ensuring that higher education becomes a path to opportunity for all.