Established in June 2002 at the first International Forum at Nagoya University, the Academic Consortium 21 (AC21) plans active exchanges of students, faculty members and administrative staff, provides shared access to information on research interests and academic activities, develops cooperative education programs and supports international exchange of culture between local communities.

AC21 includes twenty-six universities and non-academic organisations which seek to establish an international network for the purpose of encouraging the further advancement of global cooperation for the benefit of higher education, contributing to world and regional society.