World-Class University Presidents Forum Opens in Hong Kong | Mirage News

The World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 (WCUPF 2026) opened today at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)’s Shaw Auditorium, combining more than 130 university presidents, senior leaders and delegates from leading college organizations worldwide. Under the style “Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future,” individuals will check out the developing function of universities and the future of college in the age of expert system.

The two-day flagship online forum supplies a distinct platform for discussion amongst worldwide college leaders on the future of universities in a quickly altering world. More than 130 university presidents, senior leaders, scholars and delegates from over 50 leading universities and college companies throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas have actually collected to talk about how organizations can support future-ready skill, foster development, advance open science, and deal with the complicated difficulties dealing with society. Getting involved organizations consist of Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Nanyang Technological University, Korea University, the University of Cambridge, King’s College London, the University of Warwick, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Barcelona, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the University of Sydney, and the University of Cape Town, amongst numerous others.

The participating in visitors participated in thorough conversations around 3 crucial styles: The University in the AI Era, The University and Society, and The University and Civilization. They shared insights, experiences and positive techniques on how college organizations react to quick technological improvements, market modification, heightening worldwide competitors for skill, and the important of sustainable advancement.

The opening event was officiated by Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki, Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Mr. HUAI Jinpeng, Minister of Education of China; Mr. SUN Shangwu, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr. CHOI Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Ms. LIN Huiqing, President of the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE); and Mr. ZHANG Hui, Vice Chairman, Executive Director and President of Bank of China.

The event included welcome addresses by Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman of HKUST, and Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; opening remarks by Mr. Chan Kwok-ki; video messages from Mr. Khondker M. TALHA, President of the 43rd Session of UNESCO’s General Conference, and previous United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon; in addition to remarks by Ms. Lin Huiqing, President of CAHE.

The Hon CHAN Kwok-ki mentioned, “We live in an age of rapid technological change, systemic economic shifts, and unprecedented global challenges. In this transformative landscape, universities are no longer just communities of learning and skills development-they are engines of innovation, guardians of truth, and architects of our collective future. Hong Kong is proud to be a global hub for education and talent, remaining the only city in the world with five universities in the global top 100. This achievement is the direct result of sustained government investment, clear policy direction, and the hard work of our universities. A prime example of our forward-looking strategy is the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, while our flagship ‘Study in Hong Kong’ initiative welcomes students from the Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and regions, and around the world. Positioned as a bridge between the Mainland and the global higher education system, Hong Kong is opening doors for our youth to engage with diverse cultures and cutting-edge ideas. By nurturing globally minded innovators, we plant the seeds for a more collaborative and prosperous world.”

Ms. Lin Huiqing stated, “The world is undergoing profound and interconnected transformations. A new wave of technological and industrial change is accelerating, with artificial intelligence becoming increasingly integrated into every aspect of human life and work. At the same time, societies are evolving rapidly, and interactions among diverse civilizations are taking on new dimensions. Changes in technology, industry, society, and civilization are driving profound transformations in education, raising fundamental questions about the evolving role of higher education and the renewed mission of universities. Transforming higher education requires the global higher education community to work together. Universities must embrace their leadership role by nurturing future-ready talent, advancing the frontiers of scientific and technological innovation, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to the progress of human civilization. Through collaboration and shared commitment, we can help build a better world.”

Prof. Harry Shum stated, “We meet at a pivotal moment for higher education. Artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, work and create knowledge, while geopolitical and economic shifts are reshaping the environment in which universities operate. This Forum brings together leaders from many of the world’s leading universities to reflect on the role of higher education in the AI era and on our shared responsibility to educate future generations, advance knowledge, foster innovation, bridge diverse perspectives, and contribute to human progress. While our institutions differ in history and mission, we are united for a common purpose. As we navigate one of the most profound transformations in the history of higher education, it is essential that we work together to ensure that our universities remain powerful forces for opportunity, innovation, progress, and the greater good.”

In her concluding remarks at the opening event, Prof. Nancy Ip highlighted, “It is important to recognize the vital role universities play in shaping a rapidly changing world. International collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange are more important than ever in addressing humanity’s shared challenges and opportunities. As a gateway between our country and the world, and a global hub for education, research, and innovation, Hong Kong has long been a place where different perspectives converge, partnerships take shape, and ideas are translated into impact. That is why Hong Kong is a fitting home for this gathering. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the university leaders from around the world for joining us, and to the HKSAR Government for its strong support in making this gathering possible.”

The opening day of the Forum was marked by the finalizing of several arrangements and memoranda of understanding, highlighting the taking part organizations’ cumulative dedication to reinforcing research study partnership, promoting development, supporting skill, and promoting trainee exchange. Organizations associated with these collaborations consisted of Zhejiang University, HKUST, Nanjing University, University of Barcelona, Monash University, Central South University, Southeast University, Newcastle University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanyang Technological University, and the University of Warwick.

Throughout the Forum, individuals will participate in a series of keynote addresses, panel conversations and roundtable sessions concentrating on essential problems forming the future of college, consisting of:

• The University and the Century Ahead;
• Informing the Human: The Generation Shaping the Intelligent Age;
• From Ideas to Innovation: Universities Driving the Future Economy;
• Health Without Borders: Universities and the Next Century of Global Health;
• Universities for a Habitable Planet: Leading the Response to Global Challenges;
• Bridges Across Borders: Advancing Open Science; and
• Rooted and Reaching: The University in its Place and worldwide.

Ahead of the Forum’s main opening, HKUST hosted 2 pre-forum occasions, specifically the Alliance of Open Life Science International Young Scholars Forum (AOLSIYSF) and the AI Open Alliance Forum, setting the phase for the flagship event. The AOLSIYSF, themed “Empowering Young Scholars · Energizing Open Life Sciences,” concentrated on advanced research study and the advancement of young skill in the life sciences. The AI Open Alliance Forum, under the style “When Carbon-based Intelligence Meets Silicon-based Intelligence,” checked out the extensive interaction in between technological development and human society in the age of expert system. Uniting university leaders, differentiated researchers, young scientists, and market agents from around the globe, the 2 occasions highlighted HKUST’s dedication to advancing interdisciplinary partnership, cultivating research study and development, and supporting the next generation of international skill.

Throughout the two-day Forum, college leaders from around the world participated in extensive exchanges on the future advancement of college in the AI period, sharing viewpoints on cultivating development, supporting skill, and reinforcing worldwide collaborations. On Friday, delegates will participate in a Greater Bay Area Innovation Tour, checking out leading innovation business and research study centers in the area to acquire direct insights into the area’s vibrant development environment, in addition to Hong Kong’s growing value in driving worldwide research study cooperation and innovation-driven advancement.

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