Founded in 2010, the UNAI is a global network of 1,400 member organizations from 147 countries, reaching more than 25 million people in the world's education and research sectors.

Informed by a commitment to suport and advance ten basic principles, the main goal of the initiative is to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local, regional and global higher education, research, student activities, various partnerships and projects. To this end, UNAI promotes activities in various fields. 

Since 30 May 2021, the ASCCA's UNAI membership targets to contribute primarily to the SDG 4 (Quality Education) but also to the SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), through implementing those activities that in particular pertain to the capacity building in higher education, education for all and access to higher education.