The World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 was held at the Shaw Auditorium of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) from 4 to 5 November. Hosted by HKUST and fully supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the forum adopted the theme "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future". It brought together more than 130 presidents, scholars and academic leaders from over 50 leading universities and higher education institutions across Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas to discuss the future of global higher education.
Two Days of Discussions on Talent, Innovation and Global Challenges
The first day's programme included "The University and the Century Ahead", "Educating the Human: The Generation Shaping the Intelligent Age", and "From Ideas to Innovation: Universities Driving the Future Economy". Participants examined the long-term role of universities, approaches to talent development in the intelligent age, and how universities can drive future economic growth through research and innovation.
The second day featured panel dialogues and roundtable discussions on global health, a habitable planet, open science, the university in its place and in the world, and the roadmap for the future of higher education. University presidents and scholars explored how institutions could strengthen cross-regional, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration in response to major global challenges.
Inter-university Agreements Reached during the Forum
Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki officiated at the opening ceremony and delivered opening remarks. Several cooperation agreements were signed during the forum, including a memorandum of understanding on deeper collaboration between Central South University and Monash University; an agreement between Zhejiang University and HKUST to establish a joint innovation centre; a trilateral joint seed fund among the University of Warwick, Nanyang Technological University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and a student exchange agreement between Trinity College Dublin and Nanjing University.
HKUST President Nancy Ip said the forum had deepened participants' understanding of cross-regional, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration. The agreements would support deeper research cooperation, innovation, talent development and student exchanges among the institutions.
Hong Kong Connects the Mainland with Global Higher Education
Speaking at the second day's programme, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said the gathering of global higher education leaders in Hong Kong reaffirmed the city's position as an international education hub. She introduced the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, which will create a campus ecosystem integrating higher education, advanced research, market innovation, vibrant living spaces and top-tier talent, while deepening collaboration among industry, academia and research.
The forum provided a platform for global higher education leaders and created opportunities for Hong Kong institutions and overseas partners to expand cooperation in research, talent development and student exchanges. Following the closing ceremony, delegates began a Greater Bay Area innovation tour, visiting technology enterprises and research facilities to learn more about Hong Kong's role as a hub for international research collaboration.
This article is based on releases from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the HKSAR Government (HKUST closing release, HKSAR Government opening release). Photos: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Information Services Department, HKSAR Government.