OP Jindal Global University (JGU) launched the World University Leaders Forum (WULF) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. This new global platform aims to foster collaboration among higher education institutions worldwide. WULF will bring together academics and university leaders from across the globe. They will share practices and collaborate on shared global challenges facing higher education and society.
WULF establishes a democratic global platform. This platform enables universities from the global north and south to interact directly. Participants will learn from each other and co-create innovative solutions for pressing issues.
WULF’s Core Mission and Objectives
The forum focuses on several key objectives to advance global education and societal development:
- Promoting collaborative initiatives that address shared global challenges impacting higher education.
- Boosting academic links and fostering partnerships across the globe.
- Encouraging universities to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This includes efforts in teaching, research, policy engagement, community outreach, and global partnerships.
- Facilitating global dialogue among higher education leaders on practice and policy development.
- Building a strong community of university leaders committed to innovation, equity, and sustainability in education.
Vice Chancellor’s Vision for WULF
C Raj Kumar, founding vice chancellor of OP Jindal Global University, spoke about the forum’s significance. He stated WULF institutionalizes global engagement through a purpose-driven platform. This platform allows universities from the Global North and South to interact, learn from one another, and lead together. Kumar emphasized that universities are vital agents of knowledge, equity, innovation, and sustainable development. He noted WULF will harness the collective wisdom of global university leaders. This process aims to shape policies, partnerships, and practices that advance education and society for generations to come.
Alignment with World Economic Forum Priorities
WULF’s fundamental themes align closely with core objectives of the World Economic Forum. These shared priorities include specific areas:
- Fostering greater cooperation in a more contested global environment.
- Unlocking new sources for economic growth and development.
- Investing more effectively in people and human capital.
- Responsibly deploying innovation at a global scale.
- Building prosperity within defined planetary boundaries and environmental limits.
Related JGU Initiatives at Davos
JGU will also launch its Sustainable Development Report 2025. This report launch is scheduled for January 22 in Davos, Switzerland. Global academic leaders participating in WULF will contribute to a high-level dialogue. This discussion focuses on the future of higher education and global collaboration. It specifically addresses fulfilling the UN SDGs. A panel discussion at Davos will highlight universities’ role in advancing SDGs. The panel will explore building a future grounded in equity, innovation, and resilience.
Distinguished Participants at WULF Launch
C Raj Kumar presented WULF at the WEF Davos event. Several distinguished international speakers participated in the launch of this forum:
| Name | Title | Institution/Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Krislov | President | Pace University | New York, USA |
| Sherine Farouk | Assistant Chancellor for Global Partnerships and Impact | Abu Dhabi University | UAE |
| Joanna Newman | Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor | SOAS University of London | UK |
| Masa Inakage | Dean | Keio University Graduate School of Media Design | Tokyo, Japan |
| Ashwin Fernandes | Executive Director | QS Quacquarelli Symonds | London, UK |