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Hosted by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the Worldwide Universities Network Annual General Meeting (WUN AGM) 2025 was held from 21 to 23 May, marking the second time that the University has welcomed this high-level global event. The meeting brought together more than 100 delegates from six continents, including university leaders, researchers and administrators, to discuss development in higher education and global research collaboration for greater impact to societies.

WUN is an alliance of 25 research-intensive universities spanning six continents, dedicated to fostering international research partnerships in areas of global importance. Since joining WUN in 2011, CUHK has participated in nearly 100 projects and initiatives supported by the Network, on vital topics such as climate change, public health, culture, higher education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – more than 20 of which have been led by CUHK scholars. CUHK is also involved in WUN’s working groups on early career development, campus sustainability, student mental health, artificial intelligence and more.

By hosting the WUN AGM 2025, CUHK has reaffirmed its leadership in global higher education and dedication to international collaboration. Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, remarked: “I am delighted to welcome distinguished delegates from around the globe to CUHK. It is a privilege to connect with our peers and exchange views on global collaboration, particularly with the Global South; research and innovation; and how universities can collectively generate greater societal impact and the advancement of humankind. CUHK is deeply committed to internationalisation and fostering a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment where ideas flourish across cultures and disciplines. As Hong Kong positions itself as a global hub for education and innovation, CUHK will continue to strengthen relations with the world, build impactful collaborations and cultivate talent for tomorrow.”

The three-day AGM featured strategic planning and governance meetings, thematic discussions and research showcases. A highlight of the meeting was the WUN Presidents Forum, held on the first day in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network. The Forum, themed “Addressing the Challenges Facing Leaders of Research Universities”, began with a keynote speech by Dr Choltis Dhirathiti, Director of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development, titled “Universities in the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy: The Question of Acceleration”. This was followed by three panel discussions involving 18 speakers, including the presidents of CUHK, the University of Auckland, the University of Bristol, the University of Cape Town, Singapore Management University and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil). The Forum addressed the numerous challenges faced by higher education leaders globally. While some of those are unique to specific countries and regions, many resonate among the university presidents present. The discussions emphasised the necessity of engaging all stakeholders and forming partnerships that would enable the universities to thrive while fostering mutual support and collaboration with the community.