Davos, Switzerland, 28 January, 2026 :
As Global Leaders convened in Davos to address global issues, O.P. Jindal
Global University (JGU), launched the World University Leaders Forum (WULF), a
flagship initiative of JGU. In collaboration with J3D.AI and the House of
Collaboration 2026, JGU also organised a distinguished Panel Discussion at the
World Economic Forum, Davos.
The theme of the panel discussion was Universities
in Global Governance: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through
Knowledge, Policy, and Partnership. 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.
The Distinguished Panellists included Professor
Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University, New York, USA; Professor Sherine
Farouk, Assistant Chancellor for Global Partnerships and Impact, Abu Dhabi
University, UAE; Professor C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P.
Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India (Chair & Moderator);
Professor Joanna Newman, Provost & Deputy Vice Chancellor, SOAS University
of London, UK; Professor Masa Inakage, Dean, Keio University Graduate School of
Media Design, Tokyo, Japan and Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director, QS
Quacquarelli Symonds, London, UK.
Dr. C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of
O.P. Jindal Global university and also the Chair of the panel discussion said,
“Collaboration and Partnership for SDGs is essential. The need is for
universities to collaborate with other sectors, including industry, government,
and NGOs, to advance SDGs. The importance of making sustainability
a priority from the beginning will define the future agenda of any
institution. This discussion on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in
universities highlights the critical role of higher education in preparing
future leaders, conducting impactful research, and fostering global
collaboration. There is a need for interdisciplinary and collaborative
research, embedding sustainability in curricula, and the necessity of
universities to be neutral and evidence-based in their contributions.”
Professor Marvin Krislov, President, Pace
University, New York, USA shared the importance of interdisciplinary
and collaborative research, mentioning the New York Climate Exchange and the
need for global partnerships to execute SDGs effectively. He also underlined
the importance of internships and career services in preparing students for the
job market and the need for partnerships with industry and government.
Professor Sherine Farouk, Assistant Chancellor
for Global Partnerships and Impact, Abu Dhabi University, UAE emphasised the
need for flexibility of private universities in advancing sustainability and
the need for quick decision-making and dedicated funds for sustainability
projects and in advancing sustainability through infrastructure, waste management,
and community initiatives.
Professor Farouk also mentioned the need for
private universities to have social responsibility towards the communities they
serve and to provide free workshops and seminars and the role of private
universities in creating leaders who can drive sustainability and impact
society.
Professor Joanna Newman, Provost & Deputy
Vice Chancellor, SOAS University of London, UK discussed the
importance of universities as civic institutions and the need for
evidence-based policy and knowledge exchange units to influence government and
industry and the need for universities to create inclusive spaces that value
different types of knowledge, including indigenous knowledge and student
voices. She further emphasized the significance of higher education in
achieving SDGs, particularly in creating human capital and fostering
international cooperation.
Professor Masa Inakage, Dean, Keio University
Graduate School of Media Design, Tokyo, Japan spoke about the launch
of Keio's Sustainable and Transformative Actions for Regenerative Society
(STAR) initiative, which focuses on university-wide teaching and research in
collaboration with the United Nations. He further discussed the importance of
preparing students for a sustainable and regenerative society, emphasizing the
need for education and research that goes beyond traditional academic
publishing.
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director, QS
Quacquarelli Symonds, London, UK spoke about the importance of
sustainability rankings and the need for universities to track and report their
sustainability metrics. He highlighted the role of interdisciplinary research
in achieving SDGs and the need for universities to integrate sustainability
into their research and partnerships and the importance of sustainability in
the reputation of universities and the need for institutions to measure and
report their sustainability efforts.
The conversation also emphasized the need for
universities to address the gap between academic skills and market demands,
particularly in the context of technological disruption. The World University
Leaders Forum was seen as a platform for enhancing collaboration and advancing
SDGs through shared knowledge and strategic partnerships.
This high-level dialogue marked the official launch
of the Sustainable Development Report 2025 by O.P. Jindal Global University,
offering evidence-based insights into how universities are contributing to
global governance, policy innovation, and sustainable development through
research-driven engagement and cross-sector partnerships.