Patron Support Fuels Collaboration, Research and Knowledge Sharing
August 5, 2025 – The Groningen Declaration Network (The GDN Network) is proud to recognize the vital contributions of its patrons. Their ongoing support fuels meaningful education, knowledge exchange and innovation in service of the academic and professional mobility needs of citizens worldwide.
The GDN Network is pleased to announce its most recent patrons:
- AcademyOne, Inc.
- Foreign Credentials Service of America (“FCSA”)
- Jisc Services Limited (known as “Hedd”)
- Scholaro Inc.
- Signe
- Strada Education Foundation
In addition, deep appreciation is extended to our long-standing GDN patrons, whose continued commitment helps advance the mission of the Network year after year.
“It is critical to work together to build up capabilities and knowledge around the world to advance the creation of digital credentialing ecosystems,” says Joanne Duklas, Executive Director of the GDN Network. “Learners, communities, governments, secondary systems, vocational schools and higher education organizations benefit when we extend digital capacities at the national level. We absolutely cannot do this work without the help of our patrons.“
With the support of these patrons and its many signatories, the GDN Network is able to create converging opportunities, catalyze change, and deliver education through monthly webinars, convenings and a digital hub. Patron contributions make it possible to convene thought leaders and practitioners through annual meetings, regional convenings and working groups; host impactful webinars; publish original research and case studies; and ensure long-term organizational sustainability while expanding engagement across the global network.
In addition to convenings and research, the GDN Network has recently published a collection of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Endorsed Projects on its website, reflecting strategic partnerships with global leaders. These collaborations are foundational to the GDN Strategic Plan and aim to create a learner-centered, trust-based network of networks. Each MOU and endorsed project contributes to building a global, interoperable learning ecosystem that supports equitable credential recognition and learner mobility. These initiatives are only made possible through the sustained contributions of GDN patrons and signatories.
“AACRAO is a founding organization and patron of the GDN Network,” says Melanie Gottlieb, President of the GDN Network and Executive Director of AACRAO. “Learners from around the world, including Americans, bring important contributions back to our communities and are better trained to handle working in modern corporate, education and government organizations. We give and gain direct inspiration from our worldwide patron contributions and appreciate the value that the GDN Network provides, particularly as it relates to ensuring informed good practice and our recent initiatives such as the Learner and Employer Record work.”
Patron organizations actively participate in GDN initiatives, uphold the Statutes and Policies of the network, and contribute to its growth by sharing insights, expertise, and experiences. In return, practical benefits for patrons include discounted access to Annual Meetings and services, increased visibility on the GDN Network website and in official communications, exclusive event participation opportunities, and the ability to expand professional networks and collaborate with global experts. Becoming a Patron of the GDN Network is open to any organization, company, or government entity and can be initiated by simply submitting an application through the GDN website.
As the global landscape of education and professional mobility continues to evolve, the GDN Network remains committed to fostering a more inclusive, interoperable, and citizen-centered digital ecosystem. With the continued support of its patrons, the GDN Network will further its mission to connect systems, people, and ideas, advancing secure and equitable credential recognition worldwide.
“The GDN Network grew out of the early work in the Netherlands government to enhance efficiencies and reduce fraud through digital credential innovations,” says Hennie Bulstra, Innovation Lead at DUO (the Executive Agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science) and GDN Strategic Advisory Council member. “Working with the global community is imperative as we work in partnership to advance local capacities and international connections through the GDN Network. As a long-standing patron of the GDN Network, DUO regularly contributes and gains from the many webinars and convenings that the GDN Network continues to develop.”
About
About the Groningen Declaration Network: The Groningen Declaration Network (The GDN Network) is an international, non-profit federated trust located in the Netherlands. It represents a voluntary network of like-minded organizations and individuals that seek to make digital student data portability happen. Its network of thought leaders from around the globe are collaborators who seek to support, advise, and offer innovative changes in the ways we share artifacts of academic learning. The GDN Network seeks common ground while creating a Network of Networks model for collaboration as it seeks to best support the academic and professional mobility needs of citizens worldwide by bringing together stakeholders in the digital student data ecosystem. It seeks to develop and support best practices and globally accepted standards for safe and citizen-oriented convenings and information exchanges. Learn more at groningendeclaration.org.
Media Contacts
Joanne Duklas, Executive Director, The GDN Network, execdir@groningendeclaration.org
Maya Hardy, Outreach Lead, The GDN Network, outreach@groningendeclaration.org
