Welcome Message On behalf of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, it is my great honour to welcome you to the 2026 World Class University Presidents Forum (WCUPF), held under the theme Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future. In this period of extraordinary change—driven by artificial intelligence, shifting geopolitics, new economic demands, and renewed questions about the value and purpose of universities—the Forum asks not only how universities can adapt, but how they can lead. Our opening panel, The University and the Century Ahead, will set the stage by exploring what universities must preserve and what they must reinvent to remain a force for knowledge, wisdom, and the betterment of society. Through the keynote address, panel dialogues, and roundtable discussions, the program will examine the university through three interconnected lenses: the University in the AI Era, the University and Society, and the University and Civilization. Together, we will explore how universities can educate and empower the next generation, translate ideas into innovation, advance global health and open science, and tackle pressing planetary challenges—all while deepening our local roots and expanding our global impact. To ensure our dialogue translates into meaningful action, we will conclude the Forum by charting a roadmap for universities to navigate the future. Beyond the formal sessions, we hope you will take full advantage of the opportunities to forge new connections, exchange profound insights, and experience the vibrant, innovative spirit of Hong Kong and the region. I wish you a wonderful stay in Hong Kong and look forward to charting this new path together with you. Nancy IP President The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 2
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