Decolonizing Recognition: Ubuntu — Stronger Together.
A GDN Pre-Conference Event
Cape Town, South Africa
October 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
In partnership with Instructure and the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Open Recognition Alliance (ORA), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and the GDN Network invite you to join us at this Pre-Conference event. It is intended as an intimate half-day gathering focused on Decolonizing Recognition — a timely conversation about how recognition, validation, and achievement are understood across cultures, communities, and systems.
Ubuntu — “I am because we are”
This event will bring together speakers from across Africa and around the world to explore how recognition can become more inclusive, relational, and community-centered.
Be part of a powerful conversation on recognition, justice, and collective strength—and help shape what comes next at the global stage.
A Moment that Demands Change
Across higher education, professional practice, and global collaboration, there is growing recognition that traditional systems of validation and achievement are deeply shaped by colonial legacies. These systems often privilege individualism, standardization, and narrow definitions of excellence—while overlooking collective knowledge, community impact, and diverse ways of knowing. At the same time, institutions and networks worldwide are actively seeking more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive approaches to recognizing learning and contribution.
This moment calls for a shift.
Decolonizing recognition is not just about reform—it’s about reimagining. It invites us to center voices that have been historically marginalized, to value relational and community-based contributions, and to rethink what it means to “see” and “honor” one another. Rooted in Ubuntu, this gathering offers a space to explore how recognition can be reshaped to reflect shared humanity, interconnectedness, and collective flourishing.
Ubuntu – Stronger Together
October 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Registration is free, refreshments will be provided.
As space is limited, early registration is strongly encouraged. Once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be available.
Recognition is never neutral.
Who is seen, valued, named, and celebrated reflects deeper histories, structures, and power dynamics.
This gathering will create space to ask:
• What would recognition look like if it were shaped by Ubuntu?
• How can we move beyond extractive or colonial models of achievement?
• What can global communities learn from African knowledge systems and collective approaches to belonging?
• Educators
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Institutional leaders
• Recognition professionals
• Anyone committed to rethinking how people and contributions are valued
• Recognition systems worldwide are being challenged for reinforcing inequities.
• Institutions are rethinking legacy, colonial, and individualistic models.
• Momentum is growing to center diverse, community-based ways of knowing.
• Africa is helping lead new global narratives on value and belonging.
• Emerging tools and credentials are accelerating the need for change.
• This is a pivotal moment to co-create more just and inclusive systems.
Location
Join us at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) located next to the V&A Waterfront for the Preconference Event.
CPUT, Granger Bay Campus, Mouille Point, Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
https://www.cput.ac.za/about-cput/campuses/granger-bay-campus
About the Hosts
About the South African Qualifications Authority
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is the oversight body of the NQF and the custodian of its values and quality character. The role of SAQA, as stipulated in the NQF Act, is to advance the objectives of the NQF, oversee the further development and implementation of the NQF, and co-ordinate the Sub-Frameworks. SAQA’s functions are set out in section 13 of the NQF Act. Learn more at: saqa.org.za
About the Open Recognition Alliance
About the GDN Network
The GDN Network is an international, non-profit federated trust located in the Netherlands. The GDN Network represents a group of people who are committed to advancing citizen mobility through the ethical, standards based digitization of documents and credential data exchange. Learn more at: groningendeclaration.org
Thank You to Our Partner Sponsors
About Instructure
Instructure is shaping the future of learning by delivering a future-ready ecosystem that helps learners thrive in tomorrow’s landscape. Its vision is to drive a future where education technology seamlessly amplifies human potential, empowering people to excel in a perpetually changing world. Instructure is setting potential in motion by connecting educators, institutions and learners across K–12, higher education and the workforce—enhancing experiences at every age, every stage and every pivotal transition. Discover more at: instructure.com
About the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
The South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) seeks to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. To achieve its goals, the Department provides leadership, an enabling environment and resources for science, technology and innovation. Through its Programmes (Administration; Technology Innovation; International Cooperation and Resources; Research Development and Support; and Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships) and several entities that work alongside it, the Department is accomplishing groundbreaking science and enhancing the well-being of all South Africans. Learn more at: dsti.gov.za
From Conversation to Global Impact
Insights and outcomes from this convening will be carried forward and shared at the GDN Annual Meeting, taking place immediately after:
October 20–22, 2026
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
This larger global gathering will expand on key themes, bringing together an international community to explore innovation, recognition, and the future of learning and work.
Interested in continuing the conversation?
Registration for the GDN Annual Meeting Congress is separate—be sure to secure your spot and join the broader dialogue.