31 October 2025

For the first time, Universitas 21 will bring together colleagues from the U21 Global Research collaborative groups with U21 Senior Leaders from universities across the world for its Global Research and Senior Leaders’ Meeting at the University of Johannesburg.

Taking place from 5–7 November 2025, this landmark three-day programme of keynotes, plenaries, and discussions will explore the theme: Universities as Global Anchors: Trust, Value, and Equitable Progress.

Hosted by the University of Johannesburg during its 20th anniversary, the event will bring together higher education leaders to examine how universities can rebuild public trust, demonstrate societal value, and respond effectively to the changing global landscape. It will also provide a platform for sharing best practice and reimagining the evolving role of universities within society.

Attendees will hear from a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

• Professor Ahmed Bawa, University of Johannesburg, who will deliver a keynote on “Restoring Trust, Demonstrating Value, and Advancing Equitable Progress”.
• Fiona Wanjiku Moejes, Chief Executive Officer of the Mawazo Institute – a female-led African organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya, which supports early-career African researchers as they work to develop locally driven, globally relevant solutions. Fiona will deliver a keynote on “Building Equitable and Inclusive Research Partnerships.”

A dedicated session on global rankings, featuring Jason Newman, Chief Commercial Officer at QS will examine how universities can use collective insights to boost performance and visibility. This session will assist our research leaders to reflect on ways the combined research power of the network can be leveraged to enhance existing and new research collaborations.

The meeting will also draw on insights from Professor John Gyapong, Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) – U21’s network-to- network alliance partner – on the importance of African perspectives and collaboration within the global higher education context.

The wider programme will explore themes such as reclaiming the narrative of research impact, embedding equity in international collaborations, advancing the U21 Nature Positive Coalition, and strengthening the civic role of universities through strategic storytelling and shared insight.

Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, said:

“This meeting of U21 Senior Leaders and Research Leaders is a unique opportunity to strengthen our collective voice in addressing the shared challenges of our time. It is also a moment to highlight the distinctive contributions that African institutions bring to global higher education – perspectives, solutions, and innovations rooted in our histories and contexts, yet reaching far beyond them. Within U21, we find a network that amplifies these contributions, extending the impact of our research and teaching across borders.”

Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost of Universitas 21, added:

“We are delighted to host our first ever Global Research and Senior Leaders’ Meeting at the University of Johannesburg. Africa’s dynamic and diverse higher education landscape brings vital insight and perspective to U21’s global community. This meeting offers an exciting opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers and chart how the U21 network can assist its members to work towards a more sustainable, equitable, and people-centred future.”

As the world faces rapid advances in technology and AI alongside climate change, widening inequality, and shifting global dynamics, participants will reflect on how universities can move beyond reacting to change, helping to shape inclusive and effective solutions that strengthen societies worldwide and renew their social licence to operate.

Find out more:

• Article from keynote speaker, Fiona Wanjiku Moejes, Chief Executive Officer, Mawazo Institute – Too Many Mawazo: Why Africa Needs its Women with Big Ideas. Fiona will deliver a keynote on the topic of “Global Partnerships for Equitable and Inclusive Progress”.
• Article from Professor Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow – From Data to Dialogue: The Case for Strategic Storytelling in HE. Professor Rachel Sandison will be chairing a session on the topic of ‘Strategic Storytelling – Making the Case for University Value‘ .
• Article from Professor Carolyn Hogg (University of Sydney), Professor Jill Robbie (University of Glasgow) and Irina Mineva (University of Sydney) – Getting the Metrics Right: The U21 Nature Positive Coalition in Action  – Universitas 21. Carolyn will be chairing a session on the U21 Nature Positive Coalition.
• For media enquiries, please contact Chloe Brough, Marketing & Communications Manager, U21