A Global Democratic Platform for Dialogue, Collaboration, and Action in Higher Education
Overview
The World University Leaders Forum (WULF)
The World University Leaders Forum represents the natural culmination and institutionalisation of nearly two decades of sustained global engagement by O.P. Jindal Global University. From early national conferences on higher education and globalisation, to world university summits, to hosting major regional and global convenings—including the Asia Pacific Higher Education Summit, and the forthcoming Global Conference of STAR Scholars in December 2026—JGU has consistently demonstrated leadership in shaping global academic dialogue.
WULF Panel Discussion
Theme: Universities in Global Governance: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through Knowledge, Policy, and Partnership
This high-level dialogue will also mark the official launch of the Sustainable Development Report 2025 by O.P. Jindal Global University, highlighting the critical role of universities in shaping global governance frameworks and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through research, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 | Time: 3:00 PM | Venue: Talstrasse 52, Cresta Sun Hotel, Davos, Switzerland
Distinguished Panelists
Professor Marvin Krislov
President, Pace University, New York, USA
Professor Sherine Farouk
Assistant Chancellor for Global Partnerships & Impact Abu Dhabi University, UAE
Professor C. Raj Kumar
Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India (Chair & Moderator)
Professor Joanna Newman
Provost & Deputy Vice Chancellor, SOAS University of London London, UK
Professor Masa Inakage
Dean, Keio University Graduate School of Media Design Tokyo, Japan
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes
Executive Director, QS Quacquarelli Symonds London, UK
Vision Statement
The World University Leaders Forum (WULF) envisions a globally connected, inclusive, and democratic higher education ecosystem where universities from all regions of the world collaborate to advance knowledge, address global challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the public good.
This vision is deeply aligned with the foundational philosophy of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), which since its establishment in 2009 has consciously positioned itself as a global university rooted in India and connected to the world. Over nearly two decades, JGU has sought to demonstrate that internationalisation in higher education is not merely about mobility or branding, but about building enduring intellectual, institutional, and human connections across borders.
Mission Statement
The mission of the World University Leaders Forum is to:
- Create an open and inclusive global platform for university leaders to engage in dialogue on critical issues facing higher education and society
- Foster collaboration across the Global North and Global South, East and West.
- Enable universities to contribute collectively to sustainable development, social progress, and global well-being.
- Promote the role of universities as agents of knowledge creation, dissemination, equity, and innovation.
served as global centres of learning, attracting scholars and students from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Rationale for Establishment
Universities worldwide are confronting profound challenges and transformations, including:
- Rapid technological change and digital disruption
- Climate change and environmental sustainability
- Inequality in access to higher education
- Funding constraints and governance pressures
- Academic freedom, autonomy, and institutional resilience
- The evolving role of universities in society and the economy
India’s Civilisational Legacy and Global Leadership in Education
The establishment of the World University Leaders Forum by O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India, is deeply informed by India’s civilisational heritage of higher learning.
More than 2,000 years ago, institutions such as:
- Nalanda
- Takshashila
- Vikramshila
- Vallabhi
Core Principles
These principles mirror JGU’s institutional ethos and its sustained advocacy for ethical, inclusive, and globally responsible higher education.
Key Objectives of WULF
These objectives reflect the cumulative learning from nearly two decades of JGU’s leadership in national and international higher education discourse, including its role in convening major global summits and policy conversations.
Key Initiatives and Activities
Focus on UN Sustainable Goals (SDGS)
Universities play a critical role in advancing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals through
Key SDGs Relevant to Universities
The inaugural panel will explore how universities can act as anchors of sustainable development, translating global goals into local and global impact—an approach that aligns closely with JGU’s emphasis on social responsibility, public service, and global citizenship.
