association gather to decide goals and strategy for the four next years. It oversees the board of directors. Association council: Enhances solidarity among higher-education and research institutions of the association, encouraging them to pursue relevant objectives Board of directors: The management body, comprising university and government representatives Scientific council: Decides the methodology of AUF programs and ensures their academic quality. Its members are selected for their technical and professional skills in culture, science and technology. President: Elected by the general assembly for a single four-year term, they head the association council and board of directors. Rector: Elected by the board of directors for a four-year term, their primary function is to implement financial commitments by higher-education and research institutions. University development and co-operation fund: Administered by the rector Activities The primary activities of the AUF are distributed among four scientific administrations, each aiming at a specific goal. These four branches are: Language and communication: Supports French-language development through instruction in the scientific disciplines; promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity by stimulating the production, spread and teaching of scientific knowledge in French. Coordinates research projects, training and curriculum reform in linguistics, culture, literature and education. Monitors meetings and scientific conferences, emphasizing publication (particularly online publication). Significantly, more than 2,250 specialists improve understanding of the French-speaking world and the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on societies. Economic development: Fundraising and public relations Scientific skill reinforcement: Acts as liaison between scientific departments and regional offices. Administers French-speaking digital campuses and institutes in four-year cycles. Evaluates relations between the association and the French-speaking scientific community in the fields of the environment, water, energy, climate, sustainable development and well-being of populations; supports research. Education: Supports communication and information technology in higher education and research; encourages digital development and offers training in the Technologies of Information and Communication (TICE) for teachers, students and staff. Partnerships The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie has developed partnerships with three objectives: To establish more universities and giving them significant developmental roles To develop ties between the AUF, its member institutions and developmental agencies (foundations, NGOs, territorial collectivities, etc.) To increase development in the following ways: Place the association's knowledge at the disposal of the projects in question Promote scientific evaluation Use tools of university and scientific co-operation AUF numbers among its partners the European Union, UNESCO and the World Bank. It has been requested to assist in: Project management Technical