The General Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the Association. It meets once every four years and it is on this occasion that all IAU Members elect the IAU President as well as the Administrative Board Members and sets the strategic direction for the Association. In addition to the Business sessions for Members, the General Conference also includes a thematic programme devoted to a specific topic. The General Conference is open to all higher education stakeholders, but only representatives of IAU Member institutions and organizations can take part in decision-making and elections.

To be held in Okayama, Japan – home to one of the world's first Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCEs) – the 14th Global RCE Conference will celebrate 20 years of impact and innovation by the RCEs. The conference will also reflect on the evolving role of ESD in addressing today’s sustainability challenges, spotlight transformative RCE-led initiatives and explore new approaches to education towards a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable world.