The Francophone University Agency (AUF) brings together 944 universities, colleges, university networks and scientific research centers that use the French language, in 116 countries. Founded almost 60 years ago, it is one of the largest associations of higher education and research institutions in the world. AUF is the official representative of the higher education and research sector at the Francophone Summit. The agency has responsibility for implementing resolutions relating to higher education adopted by the Conference of Heads of State and Government that use French as a common language.