Theme: Universities as Agents of Progress
📅 7–9 October 2025
📍 KAUST, Thuwal, Jeddah Governorate, Saudi Arabia
🌟 The Premier Global Higher Education Conference
Times Higher Education (THE) is proud to host the World Academic Summit 2025 in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) — marking the event’s first appearance in the Middle East.
This prestigious summit brings together leading university presidents, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to examine how higher education institutions drive global progress, innovation, and sustainable development.
🔑 Why Attend the World Academic Summit 2025?
✅ Exclusive Launch of the THE World University Rankings 2026
✅ Data Masterclass by THE analysts with ranking insights & research trends
✅ Network with global academic leaders and decision-makers
✅ Explore strategies for regional development, innovation, and sustainability
✅ Join discussions on how universities shape global and local communities
🎟 Early bird and group discounts available — use code GROUP for 20% off 3+ tickets.
🧭 Key Agenda Themes
💡 1. Universities as Engines of Innovation and Economic Growth
Explore how research universities fuel economic development by aligning with industry needs, advancing technology, and promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.
🌍 2. Regional Collaboration Through Higher Education
Learn how universities serve as hubs for local partnerships, regional planning, and inclusive innovation to address societal and economic challenges.
🎨 3. Cultural Preservation and Transformation in Academia
Discover how universities balance traditional knowledge and modern education, shaping culture while protecting heritage and fostering creative expression.
♻️ 4. Universities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Uncover how institutions contribute to solving global issues through interdisciplinary research, sustainability education, and community engagement aligned with the UN SDGs.
👥 Featured Global Speakers
- Sir Edward Byrne – President, KAUST
- Shitij Kapur – President & Vice-Chancellor, King’s College London
- Carmen Lamagna – Academic Adviser, AIUB
- Address Maukowa Malata – Vice-Chancellor, Malawi University of Science and Technology
- Tebelelo Mazile Seretse – Chancellor, University of Botswana
- Julián Rodríguez – Rector, Austral University
🗨 Host’s Invitation
“Join us in Saudi Arabia for this groundbreaking event. Together, we will explore partnerships and innovations that redefine the university’s role in shaping our future.”
— Sir Edward Byrne, President, KAUST
🎟 Book Now: World Academic Summit 2025
Save your spot at the leading international higher education conference.
🔖 Group booking discount: 20% off with code GROUP
💼 Partner Opportunities
🎤 Apply to Speak
Present your ideas to a global audience of academic and policy leaders.
→ Submit a Speaker Proposal
📣 Sponsor the Summit
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→ Explore Sponsorship Options
🌐 Host a Future Event
Collaborate with THE to host impactful global summits at your institution.
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🌐 Join the THE Events Network
Become part of a global academic network:
- 🎫 Free & discounted access to all THE events
- 🌎 Connect with peers & academic influencers
- 📈 Insights from global performance data
- 📧 post-event reports & exclusive content