World’s top university leaders gather in Hong Kong for 2026 forum
The 2026 World Top University Presidents’ Forum concluded in Hong Kong on 5 November, bringing together over 130 leaders from more than 50 institutions. The event focused on reshaping higher education amid technological change, with Hong Kong officials highlighting the city’s role as a global educat
The 2026 World Top University Presidents’ Forum concluded in Hong Kong on 5 November, bringing together more than 130 leaders from over 50 top universities and institutions worldwide. Organised under the theme “Reshaping Higher Education: Innovation Leading the Future,” the event underscored Hong Kong’s status as a major international education hub, according to a government press release on 6 November.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions centred on three core topics: “Universities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” “Universities and Society,” and “Universities and Civilisation.” The dialogues and roundtable sessions explored how higher education can respond to rapid technological advances, demographic shifts, global talent competition, and the push for sustainable development, offering forward-looking insights and strategies.
At the closing ceremony, Ray Tin-long, chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), noted that Hong Kong’s higher education sector is known for openness, exchange and connectivity. He said that UGC-funded universities have gained broad global recognition for their academic excellence, research strength and internationalisation.
Ray emphasised that the eight UGC-funded universities have signed more than 2,700 student exchange agreements with institutions worldwide, including many represented at the forum, and are currently engaged in nearly 8,000 international research collaborations. He described these extensive global partnerships as proof of the joint efforts of world-class scholars and the strong support of the nation. “With world-class universities, an international outlook, the backing of our motherland, and the golden opportunities brought by the Northern Metropolis university town development and related measures, Hong Kong is playing the role of a true ‘super-connector’ linking the nation and the world,” he said.
Ray added that the UGC looks forward to welcoming top global higher-education leaders again at the next forum. He said the committee will continue working closely with the eight UGC-funded universities and relevant stakeholders to nurture future-oriented talent and deepen collaboration with national, international and cross-sector partners, further strengthening Hong Kong’s unique role as an international post-secondary education hub and a high-level gathering place for global talent.