28 May 2025

Universitas 21 leaders from around the globe gathered for the U21 Annual Network and Presidential Symposium at the University of California, Davis campus from 7-9 May to discuss existential threats facing higher education.

“When the truth is under siege, the university must not flinch,” said Fanta Aw, Executive Director and CEO of  Nafsa: Association of International Educators, and keynote speaker at the event. 

Discussions held throughout the three-day U21 event centred on ways member universities can better serve marginalised communities, advance equity and inclusion, and strengthen their role in addressing global and societal challenges through collaboration, innovation and public engagement.

“We recognise that we are engaging in this conversation at a critical moment, both nationally and globally,” Chancellor Gary S. May said. “In the United States, the landscape around equity, diversity and inclusion is shifting in complex ways, making it even more essential that we reaffirm our commitments and seek new strategies to advance these values.”

Participants came to UC Davis from 27 of our U21 members. They agreed that universities play a vital role and must stand together in opposition to efforts to downplay their importance. During the event, many expressed uncertainties about the future as some of our institutions come under increasing financial pressure as a consequence of changing government policies.   Many stressed there was also room for improvement among universities.

The university must prove relevance not in what it preserves, but in what it transforms.”

-Fanta Aw, Director and CEO of NAFSA

Fanta Aw said that it is the obligation of universities to consider who is being left out of discussions about what knowledge is considered valid and important, and to consider why many members of the public have poor opinions of higher education. She emphasised that while statements of solidarity and institutional values are important, they are not sufficient on their own. She urged universities to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete, measurable actions.

At a time when there are so many challenges, our colleagues internationally have shown a solidarity I haven’t seen before… We’re in this together.”

-Fanta AW, Director and CEO of NAFSA

A spirit of collaboration was inspiring for fourth-year International Relations Major Meghan Van Note, who asked Fanta Aw a question about the role students will play in transforming institutions to her vision of universities as “gateways, not gatekeepers.”

“I want to gain more of a global perspective,” Meghan Van Note, who is part of a cohort of  student interns working on UC Davis’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, said of her reasons for attending and speaking up during a question-and-answer session. 

Jenny Dixon, Provost of U21, said international collaboration is an important way for leaders in higher education to learn from each other and strengthen how to work together to accelerate pace and scale. She noted the conference was intended to provide space for these conversations.

What we’re here to do is reimagine the future of higher education.” 

-Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost of U21 

In discussions with colleagues who work thousands of miles apart, attendees said they found common ground. “A lot of the issues seem to be shared,” said Moira O’Bryan, Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne.

An Descheemaeker, Director of the International Office for KU Leuven in Belgium, said she wanted to learn more about how universities can remain faithful to their values amid challenges. “The world is changing,” Descheemaeker said

The importance of inclusion 

Participants at the U21 Annual Network Meeting and Presidential Symposium discussed the benefits of programmes promoting diversity, equity and inclusion as those efforts face greater scrutiny around the world. In response to this subject, Mark Scott, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney commented, “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not,” Further adding, “To do equity and inclusion well is a commitment to meritocracy.”

David Garza, Chair of U21 and President of the Tecnológico de Monterrey university system in Mexico, said he has sought to bring more diverse voices to his leadership team, an effort that has led to new conversations about ways to make students feel welcome. On this point David Garza comments, “It’s highly related to the core aspect of education.”

Gary May, who moderated a panel discussion on equity and inclusion, agreed on the benefits of including more people. He also moderated a panel discussion at Aggie Square with Government, UC Davis and U21 Senior Leaders, including Rep. Ami Bera (D-Sacramento), focused on building stronger, more resilient collaborations between universities and governments to address our global challenges.

All of us are smarter than any of us.” 

– Chancellor Gary S. May, UC Davis 

U21’s Annual Network Meeting and Presidential Symposium reaffirmed the network’s shared commitment to fostering a trusted environment where open dialogue between members thrives. United by the values of inclusion, equity, and social responsibility, the 2025 U21 AGM emphasised that global collaboration is not only powerful, but essential to shaping a more ethical and just future for all.