World University Presidents Forum and International Forum on Higher Education to Convene in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China - The 2025 World University Presidents Forum and the 2025 International Forum on Higher Education will take place in Hangzhou from November 7 to 10, bringing together global university leaders and education experts from over 40 countries to address critical challenges facing global higher education in the age of artificial intelligence.

The announcement was made on October 26 at a press conference hosted by Zhejiang University (ZJU) and China Association of Higher Education (CAHE). Attendees included ZHANG Daliang, Vice President of CAHE; ZHU Hui, Vice Chairperson of the Zhejiang University Council; LI Nan, Vice President and Secretary-General of CAHE; and GAO Xiaojie, Deputy Secretary-General and Director of Research and Cooperation Department of CAHE. The event, moderated by FU Fangzheng, Executive Deputy Director of ZJU’s Publicity Department, drew more than 20 major media outlets including Xinhua News Agency, Guang Ming Daily and China Daily.

Global Dialogue on the Future of Learning

Approved by Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, the two forums are co-hosted by CAHE and ZJU under the themes “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education” and “A Leading Country in Education and Sustainable Higher Education Development.” Together, the events aim to explore innovative pathways for high-quality university development in China and contribute Chinese insights to global educational sustainability.

Co-organizers include the National Academy of Education Administration, the Open University of China, the Higher Education Press, the Zhejiang Province Association for Higher Education, and iFLYTEK Co., Ltd., with support from the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and the World Federation of United Nations Associations.

Five Highlights of the 2025 Forums

ZHANG Daliang, Vice President of CAHE, outlined five key aspects of the forums at the press conference:

1. Addressing frontier issues shaping higher education reform

Topics of the 2025 World University Presidents Forum will include AI and Cultivation Model Reform, AI and Scientific Research Paradigm Shift, AI Development and Governance Innovation in Higher Education and Digital Transformation and Higher Education Equity. The 2025 International Forum on Higher Education will discuss Construction of tailored Development Mechanisms and Evaluation Systems for Universities, Research on Identification and Cultivation Mechanisms for Top-Tier Innovative Talents, Pathways to Enhance the Efficient Transformation of University Scientific Achievements, International Experiences and Practical Explorations in Building World-Class Education Hubs.

2. Bringing together a global network of voices

More than 150 international guests from over 40 countries and regions across five continents will participate, alongside leaders from over 20 leading Chinese universities. Attendees will include university presidents, scholars, and representatives from international organizations and industry — reflecting diverse global perspectives and the shared pursuit of advancing education worldwide.

3. Unveiling collaborative outcomes and new global initiatives

Key releases will include the joint research report written by The Global University Associations Forum (GUAF) — Similarities and Differences in the Digital Transformation of Higher Education will be introduced during the forum. The event will also witness the establishment of the “Global University AI Education and Teaching Cooperation Mechanism”, as well as the formal unveiling of the Hangzhou Initiative.

4. Immersive exhibition on “Future Education”

An Exhibition on Achievements in Chinese and Foreign Higher Education will debut, featuring themes of “Future Teachers, Future Classrooms, Future Universities, and Future Learning Centers” through multimedia, interactive simulations, and physical exhibits. Participants include the World Bank, the National Academy of Education Administration, the Open University of China, the Higher Education Press, and 30+ universities worldwide.

5. Building new partnerships for educational openness

During the forums, China Association of Higher Education will sign a cooperation agreement with the World Bank, and Chinese and international universities will conclude over ten new agreements covering joint talent development, collaborative research, faculty exchanges, and technology transfer.

A Platform for Global Collaboration and Innovation

ZHU Hui noted that Zhejiang University has formed a dedicated leadership group to ensure that the forums deliver “practical and impactful outcomes” that advance both China’s education modernization and the prosperity of global higher education.

LI Nan highlighted the innovative features of this year’s programs, while GAO Xiaojie outlined the detailed agenda, side events, and media plans.

First launched in Beijing in 2023, the World University Presidents Forum has become a platform for global university leaders to share ideas and foster cooperation amid rapid technological and societal transformation.

Since its inception in 2001, the International Forum on Higher Education has attracted more than 1,000 experts and scholars from over 50 countries over its 24 editions, producing influential academic reports and publications. It has evolved into a source of innovative ideas, a hub for international exchange, and a cradle for young academic talent worldwide.