The World women university presidents forum is drawing to a close with the reading of the final declaration on Sunday 26 May by Dr Debora Kayembe, before more than 200 delegates from 60 countries and regions around the world. The forum was a real forum for exchange and reflection, enabling participants to share their visions and experiences of the contemporary challenges facing higher education. In his closing address, Dr Kayembe stressed the crucial importance of cultural diversity and inclusive development in a world undergoing constant transformation.
With rapid technological advances redefining our civilisation and posing new challenges and opportunities. Debora Kayembe emphasised the key role of higher education institutions in this context. ‘Faced with major challenges in terms of cultural diversity and common development, and with technological advances that are profoundly transforming human civilisation, higher education must maintain its responsibility for continuous and inclusive development’, she declared.
Dr Kayembe also stressed that cultural diversity is not just a richness to be celebrated, but an imperative for sustainable development. She urged university leaders to promote inclusive policies that encourage equal opportunities and the recognition of diverse talents. In her view, it is by fully embracing diversity that universities can effectively prepare students to become competent and empathetic global citizens.
Consensus statement: Towards a more inclusive future
During this 11th edition, a significant consensus was reached following in-depth exchanges between the participants. The forum, which brought together more than 200 delegates from 60 countries and regions, produced key statements to guide the future of higher education. Dr Debora Kayembe, former President of the University of Edinburgh, read out the final declarations, highlighting the importance of each point for inclusive and sustainable development.
1. Cultural dialogue as the key to the future
Cultural dialogue is essential to overcoming current impasses and opening up future prospects. In a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), respecting differences and seeking common ground is vital. Cultural understanding and dialogue must become intrinsic qualities, fundamental to social life and universal in inter-ethnic interactions. This approach is essential for the continuity of civilisation.
2. Openness and multicultural ecosystem
Higher education must remain open and cultivate a robust multicultural ecosystem. Welcoming academics and students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange and promoting inclusive knowledge are crucial. Universities must create open environments for academic exchange, enabling the growth of ideas through the integration of diverse cultures, and collaborate with society for inspiring educational environments.
3. Training new global citizens
In the face of ecological crises and social challenges, there is an urgent need to train ‘new global citizens’. Higher education institutions must plan a general education based on the symbiosis of the biosphere and the global commons. It is crucial to design education systems that unify universality and individuality, supported by the respective cultural traditions, and to apply the results of research to the necessary adjustments and transformations.
4. Adapting to the intelligent society
With the advent of the intelligent society, higher education must adapt and guide its development. Educators must innovate in educational concepts and practices, integrate the humanistic spirit into new technologies, and make judicious use of artificial intelligence. This will cultivate new talent capable of leading the age of artificial intelligence.
5. Gender equality in higher education
Gender mainstreaming is crucial to a culture of gender equality. Universities must actively promote gender equality by examining the situations of female students and staff, and seeking practical improvements. Presidents should lead by example, support the growth of young women, and promote a harmonious campus culture in terms of gender.
6. Strength of women presidents for cultural integration
Women university presidents play a key role in promoting cultural integration and joint development. They demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities in higher education and the unique ‘soft power’ of women. The Forum will continue to document and disseminate their experiences and wisdom, building a global network for exchange in higher education.
These statements, formulated by the university presidents present at the Forum, set out a clear path for a future in which higher education plays a central role in promoting cultural diversity, gender equality and sustainable development.
Looking to the future: Announcement of the 12th edition of the The World women university presidents forum in 2026
In closing this statement, Dr Debora Kayembe announced that the next edition will be held in 2026 and will return to its birthplace, the city of Beijing. This announcement comes in the dynamic context of the integration of Beijing – Tianjin – Hebei, promising an even bigger and more influential event.
A look back at Zhengzhou
Looking back on the success of the 11th edition in Zhengzhou, the Honorary Rector of the University of Edinburgh, Mrs Debora Kayembe, expressed her gratitude to the organisers and participants, saying that this year’s forum in Zhengzhou had been a huge success. The enriching discussions, the exchange of ideas and the collaborations initiated truly reflected the spirit that characterises this forum, paving the way for a more inclusive and developed world.
