O.P. Jindal Global University Launches World University Leaders Forum At WEF 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.

Panelists

The distinguished panelists 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 and Moderator); Professor Joanna Newman, Provost and 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.

Key Discussions

Dr. C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University and Chair of the panel discussion, stated that collaboration and partnership are essential for achieving the SDGs. He emphasised the need for universities to work with industry, government and non-governmental organisations to advance sustainability.

He further highlighted the importance of making sustainability a priority from the outset, noting that it would define the future agenda of institutions. The discussion, he said, underscored the role of higher education in preparing future leaders, conducting impactful research and fostering global collaboration. He also stressed the need for interdisciplinary research, embedding sustainability in curricula, and ensuring that universities remain neutral and evidence-based in their contributions.

Professor Marvin Krislov highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research, referring to initiatives such as the New York Climate Exchange. He underlined the need for global partnerships to effectively implement the SDGs and stressed the role of internships and career services in preparing students for the job market through collaboration with industry and government.

Professor Sherine Farouk emphasised the flexibility of private universities in advancing sustainability through quicker decision-making and dedicated funding. She spoke about sustainability initiatives related to infrastructure, waste management and community engagement, and highlighted the social responsibility of private universities towards the communities they serve, including through free workshops and seminars.

Professor Joanna Newman discussed the role of universities as civic institutions and emphasised the importance of evidence-based policy and knowledge exchange units in influencing government and industry. She also highlighted the need to create inclusive academic spaces that value diverse forms of knowledge, including indigenous knowledge and student voices. She stressed the importance of higher education in building human capital and fostering international cooperation to achieve the SDGs.

Professor Masa Inakage spoke about the launch of Keio University'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 emphasised the need to prepare students for a sustainable and regenerative society through education and research that goes beyond traditional academic publishing.

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes highlighted the importance of sustainability rankings and the need for universities to track and report sustainability metrics. He emphasised the role of interdisciplinary research in achieving the SDGs and the need for universities to integrate sustainability into their research and partnerships. He also spoke about the growing importance of sustainability in shaping institutional reputation.

The discussion also emphasised the need for universities to bridge the gap between academic skills and market demands, particularly in the context of technological disruption.

The World University Leaders Forum was presented as a platform for strengthening collaboration and advancing the SDGs through shared knowledge and strategic partnerships.

The high-level dialogue also marked the official launch of the Sustainable Development Report 2025 by O.P. Jindal Global University, which provides evidence-based insights into how universities are contributing to global governance, policy innovation and sustainable development through research-driven engagement and cross-sector partnerships.