The AUF is an association of higher education institutions that currently has 909 member institutions using the French language in 113 countries. The AUF is a partner of the project through its delegation in charge of relations with the European Union (AUF-ASBL) which was created in 1995 in Belgium as a non-profit association (ASBL).

In the respect of the diversity of cultures and languages, the AUF acts for a university francophonie engaged in the economic, social, and cultural development of societies. According to its 2017-2021 strategy, it supports higher education and research institutions in meeting three major challenges: the quality of training, research, and university governance; the professional integration and employability of graduates; and involvement in the global development of societies.

The AUF fosters solidarity between higher education and research institutions in order to implement projects that concretely transform the university system. It works with many partners: private companies and their foundations, states and governments, national development agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academic, scientific, and cultural associations. Its teams around the world provide support and advice for the design and monitoring of projects, facilitate the sharing of best practices, expertise, and innovations

As such, the AUF sets up projects aiming at reinforcing the capacities of higher education institutions. It is perceived by its partners as being voluntary and federating European, Vietnamese, and Cambodian partners, around innovation, expertise and partnership. Recognized by its members for the transparency of its scientific and financial management, it has a team trained in the management of international projects.

For the co-coordination of the PURSEA project and the implementation of its activities in the beneficiary countries Vietnam and Cambodia, it mobilizes the AUF regional offices as affiliated entities.