OP Jindal Global University (JGU) launched the World University Leaders Forum (WULF) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The forum aims to boost global collaboration among higher education institutions and address shared challenges.
WULF serves as the first global platform for higher education leaders. It brings together academics and university leaders from around the world. The forum facilitates sharing best practices and collaboration on global issues facing higher education and society.
Forum Objectives
The WULF provides an inclusive global platform. Universities from both the Global North and Global South will interact and learn. They will also co-create innovative solutions for pressing issues.
- Promote collaborative initiatives addressing shared challenges.
- Strengthen academic links worldwide.
- Encourage universities to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Universities will contribute to SDGs through teaching, research, policy engagement, community outreach, and global partnerships.
C Raj Kumar, founding vice chancellor of OP Jindal Global University, spoke about the forum’s mission. “We launch the World University Leaders Forum at Davos to institutionalize this global engagement,” Raj Kumar stated. “This platform allows universities from the Global North and Global South to interact, learn, and lead together.”
Raj Kumar added, “This Forum embodies our conviction that universities are vital agents of knowledge, equity, innovation, and sustainable development. WULF will harness the collective wisdom of global university leaders to shape policies, partnerships, and practices that advance education and society.”
Sustainable Development Report 2025
JGU will also launch its Sustainable Development Report 2025. The launch is scheduled for January 22 at 3:00 PM in Davos, Switzerland.
Global academic leaders participating in WULF will engage in a high-level dialogue. This discussion will focus on the future of higher education and global collaboration. The goal is to fulfill the SDGs.
A panel discussion at Davos will highlight the role of universities. It will address how universities advance sustainable development goals. The discussion will also cover building a future grounded in equity, innovation, and resilience.
The WULF’s fundamental themes align with key objectives of the World Economic Forum. These include cooperation in a contested world and unlocking new sources of growth. Other priorities are investing better in people, responsibly deploying innovation at scale, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries.
Global Leadership Dialogue
The forum’s objective also includes facilitating global dialogue among leaders. Discussions will focus on higher education practice and policy. It aims to promote collaborative initiatives for global challenges.
WULF seeks to strengthen academic linkages. It encourages universities to proactively advance UN Sustainable Development Goals. The forum builds a community of university leaders committed to innovation, equity, and sustainability.
C Raj Kumar presented WULF at the WEF Davos. Several distinguished speakers participated in the launch. These leaders represent diverse institutions and regions.
Distinguished Speakers at WULF Launch:
- 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