Taking place at the University of Edinburgh – a founding member of the ACU – from 7-8 March 2019, ‘Extending the welcome’ brought together academics, policymakers, students, and partners from across the Commonwealth and beyond to explore the role of universities in supporting displaced people worldwide. Providing a forum to share best practice, the event showcased innovative approaches to supporting refugees and at-risk academics – from King’s College London’s PADILEIA project, to Makerere University’s Refugee Law Project, and student-led initiatives in the UK (Universities of Sanctuary), Canada (World University Service Canada) and Malta (Spark Fifteen). Through a series of workshops and panels, discussions centred around four key areas: open and distance learning; mobility and sanctuary; pathway programmes and skills training; and partnerships. Key themes emerging from these discussions include: The importance of working with – not necessarily for – those affected by displacement Leveraging the power of partnerships and networks to ensure maximum impact within the higher education sector and beyond Taking a holistic approach that looks beyond purely academic solutions e.g. offering pastoral care, networking opportunities, psychosocial / trauma counselling, and practical support Sanctuary as a critical concept to guide collective action Listening to students’ voices and empowering them to set up peer-to-peer networks, enact change and support the integration of refugee students Wrapping up the final day, conversations highlighted what tangible outputs can be delivered, and how by working together we can amplify the power of our networks and create long-term solutions to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices, which will continue to support and provide sanctuary for refugees and at-risk scholars. In-keeping with the ACU’s commitment to connecting universities and promoting collaboration, 13 delegates from all corners of the Commonwealth were funded to attend – including four Commonwealth Scholars (themselves supported by The Windle Trust) – to ensure as many voices as possible were involved in these crucial conversations.