World Anthropological Union (WAU)

The World Anthropological Union (WAU) is an inclusive, cooperative forum that invigorates transnational anthropologies. WAU is the interface that unites the missions of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) and the World Council of Anthropological Associations (WCAA), galvanizing person-to-person international dialogues and stimulating cooperative exchange among anthropological associations.

WAU’s priorities are:

• to facilitate the conversation and collaboration among anthropologists and epistemic traditions around the world
• to bring awareness of global anthropological thought to international science and policy discussions
• to reflexively shape more inclusive approaches to world problems and their solutions.

Through its World Anthropology Congresses, held every four years, WAU provides a world forum for the discussion and dissemination of research. It also organizes congresses, seminars and symposia, and encourages the participation of anthropologists in other international meetings and projects. Through its 32 Scientific Commissions, the IUAES stimulates the convergence of research interests among anthropologists, and the dissemination of research findings through publications. The World Council of Anthropological Associations (WCAA) is a network of national, regional and international associations that aims to promote worldwide communication and cooperation in anthropology.

Both the IUAES and WCAA publish regular newsletters and have a lively presence on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.