Becoming a Signatory/Patron means your organization has committed to supporting the Groningen Declaration Network’s (GDN) privacy compliant data exchange principles that support mobility.

Any organization aligned with GDN’s principles, such as educational institutions, government bodies, non-profits, and companies, can become a Signatory/Patron.

The primary benefit is that by supporting the GDN Network, you are demonstrably contributing towards a global movement that is anchored in a socially oriented focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as these relate and are relevant to credential and learner mobility. You are also indicating to the world that yours is an organization that prizes supporting learners accessing their credentials whenever they wish, however they wish and wherever they are in a manner that preserves privacy and trust. Being part of the GDN means you are committing to expanding your knowledge and bringing yours and that of your organization to the world community in a manner that breaks down barriers and builds bridges.


Practical benefits for organizations and individuals include discounted access to Annual Meetings and services, enhanced visibility on the GDN Network website and in communication materials, possible opportunities to participate in exclusive events, and the ability to extensively contribute to and expand your world network and collaborate with other experts.

Yes, there is a fee to join, which varies depending on the level of participation (Signatory only or Signatory + Patron) and the specific benefits your organization seeks. See Benefits and Fees table on this page for more details.

To join, simply complete the application form on our website, providing details about your organization. Once submitted, the GDN executive director and board members will review your application, and you will be notified of the next steps.

As a Signatory and Patron, your organization is expected to actively participate in GDN initiatives, uphold the Statutes and Policies set by GDN, and contribute to the growth of our network by sharing insights, expertise, and experiences.

Absolutely. We welcome engagement from people, including learners, from around the world who are retired or otherwise not connected to a particular organization.

The directory is available on the GDN website at https://groningendeclaration.org/signatories/

Once your organization is approved as a Signatory and Patron, you will receive a special digital certificate and also be able participate in an official signing ceremony at the GDN Annual Meeting held each year in October.