Hong Kong hosts World Class University Presidents Forum 2026

On November 4-5, 2026, world-renowned university leaders convened in Hong Kong for the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026, further solidifying the city's reputation as a premier destination for higher education. Esteemed university presidents, distinguished scholars, and leading experts in international education from over a third of the world's top 50 universities gathered at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to tackle pressing matters like nurturing talent in the digital age, fostering technology-driven economic growth, and addressing global challenges.

During the opening ceremony, Chan Kwok-ki, the Acting Chief Executive of Hong Kong, emphasized that the forum's theme, "Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future," resonates with the rapid pace of technological advancements, economic shifts, and pressing global issues. He highlighted that universities have evolved into engines of innovation, protectors of truth, and architects of a shared future.

Chan acknowledged Hong Kong's pivotal role as a nurturing ground for top-tier universities, with five institutions currently ranking among the world's best 100. The city's strong educational foundation, driven by sustained government investment and robust policies, was further underscored by its recent inclusion in the top 10 and top five in Asia's QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027.

As a bridge connecting East and West, Hong Kong offers an internationalized and diversified environment that draws together global talent to confront common challenges. The World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 is part of a strategic series of initiatives promoting the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, reinforcing the city's significance in shaping the future of global higher education.

Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin elaborated on the city's ongoing development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, which integrates higher education, advanced research, market innovation, livable spaces, and top-tier talent. This strategic project is set to foster unparalleled Industry-Academia-Research collaboration, aligning with the 15th Five-Year Plan and positioning Hong Kong at the gateway to the Chinese Mainland.

Multiple interuniversity cooperation agreements were signed during the forum, including partnerships between Central South University and Monash University, Zhejiang University and HKUST for a joint innovation center, a Trilateral Joint Seed Fund among the University of Warwick, Nanyang Technological University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, as well as a student exchange agreement between Trinity College Dublin and Nanjing University.

These collaborations mark a significant milestone in global higher education and research-driven innovation. By assembling such a distinguished group of global academic leaders, Hong Kong has reaffirmed its status as an international education hub and strengthened its influence in the global educational arena.