The Talloires Network

The Talloires Network is an international association of institutions committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education. We work together to catalyze dialogue, research, and action to implement the recommendations of the Talloires Declaration.  “Our institutions recognize that we do not exist in isolation from society, nor from the communities in which we are located.  Instead, we carry a unique obligation to listen, understand, and contribute to social transformation and development.”

In September 2005, President Lawrence Bacow of Tufts University convened the Talloires Conference 2005, the first international gathering of the heads of universities devoted to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education. The meeting brought together 29 university presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors from 23 countries.

The conference gave rise to the Talloires Declaration on the Civic Roles and Social Responsibilities of Higher Education. All signatories of the Declaration have committed their institutions to educating for social responsibility and civic engagement, and to strengthening the application of university resources to the needs of host societies.