ACU Congress day two

Time	Session	Topic, speakers, further information
8:30 - 9:00	Registration and networking	Venue opens for the day with exhibition stands and networking. Refreshments will be available upon arrival.
9:00 - 9:45	Welcome to ACU Congress	Speakers: Professor Cheryl de la Rey, ACU Chair and Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Chief Executive and Secretary General Professor Margaret Hutchinson, Vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi
9:45 - 11:00	Keynote speaker and Q&A	Universities and their social impact in a changing world Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Deputy President of South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg
11:00 - 11:45	Morning networking break	Refreshments available
11:45 - 13:00	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	Panel session: Shaping the future: global trends in Commonwealth higher education What will the next decade hold for higher education across the Commonwealth? This panel, chaired by one of our keynote speakers, brings together international higher education leaders to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector. From digital transformation and AI to funding models and global partnerships, the discussion will address the profound shifts universities must prepare for, particularly artificial intelligence, which is poised to radically alter society in the next 10-20 years. How can universities in the Commonwealth proactively shape debates around AI, ensure ethical integration, and prepare future leaders for this seismic technological change?
11:45 - 13:00	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	Fuelling growth and securing support: economic impact, funding strategies, and sustainable investment for Commonwealth universities How can Commonwealth universities better demonstrate their economic and social value in an era of constrained funding? As universities across the Commonwealth continue to serve as engines of economic growth, innovation, and social mobility, the challenge remains: how can universities better communicate their value to governments and stakeholders in an era of tightening budgets and rising competition for resources? This session will bring together delegates to discuss the findings of ACU-funded research on higher education’s economic contributions and explore strategies for securing sustainable investment. The discussion will also focus on innovative funding models, advocacy strategies and the importance of demonstrating universities’ critical role in national resilience and renewal. How can universities effectively win the hearts and minds of policymakers and the public, ensuring that they have the resources needed to drive prosperity and sustainable development across the Commonwealth? This session will also explore best practices for demonstrating impact and building long-term support for the higher education sector’s role in advancing economic growth, societal well-being and global progress across the Commonwealth.
11:45 - 13:00	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	Beyond 2030: Commonwealth universities as changemakers for a sustainable future This session explores how universities are accelerating action on the SDGs and what role they can play beyond 2030. As we approach 2030, universities across the Commonwealth are playing a pivotal role in driving progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - expanding human capital, producing critical research, and implementing real-world solutions. But as 2030 approaches, can they do even more? This session will showcase impactful initiatives from across the Commonwealth and explore how universities can embed sustainability across disciplines, enhance collaboration with policymakers and industry, and take on a more active role in shaping a just, equitable, and resilient future for all Commonwealth citizens.
11:45 - 13:00	ACU Ambassadors session	How can universities sustain meaningful global engagement when geopolitics threatens to divide rather than connect? This interactive session is framed as a debate on the motion: 'This house believes universities can sustain global collaboration despite rising geopolitical divides'. The session will challenge participants to consider both the opportunities and the constraints facing higher education partnerships today. Drawing on the ACU’s Equitable Research Partnerships Toolkit, the session will feature provocation, live audience voting, and practical takeaways. ACU Ambassadors will leave with concrete tools and critical perspectives to advance partnerships that are resilient, inclusive, and globally responsible.
13:00 - 14:00	Lunch and networking
14:00 - 15:30	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	Universities as catalysts for the future workforce With youth populations growing across the Commonwealth, how are universities preparing students for the skills of the future? This breakout session explores how institutions are working with governments and policymakers to shape regional and national workforce needs. With AI, digital transformation, and shifting economic landscapes disrupting traditional models, what innovations are emerging across the Commonwealth? What more needs to happen to ensure universities remain at the heart of national renewal? Join this discussion to explore bold ideas and practical solutions for the future of work.
14:00 - 15:30	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	AI and the future of higher education in the Commonwealth: preparing for the unknown With artificial intelligence poised to radically reshape society, this session will focus on how universities can anticipate the impact of AI, from research to ethics to workforce preparation. How can institutions lead debates on AI's ethical use, and what new skillsets must universities prioritise to prepare students for this new era?
14:00 - 15:30	Moderated closed door roundtable discussion	Innovation hubs and partnerships: building resilient ecosystems across the Commonwealth This session will explore how Commonwealth universities can collaborate with governments, industries, and local communities to create innovation ecosystems that promote resilience and economic renewal. Participants would discuss best practices for developing and sustaining regional hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship.
14:00 - 15:30	ACU Ambassadors panel session and Q&A	Targeted session for ACU ambassadors: building bridges - universities, global citizenship, and the future of transnational education In a world marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes and increasing barriers to mobility, universities play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills, experiences, and mindset needed to thrive in a globally interconnected yet fragmented environment. This session brings together international office leaders and transnational education (TNE) experts from across the Commonwealth to explore how institutions can embed global citizenship into their partnerships, curricula, and student experiences. How can Commonwealth universities ensure that students, whether on campus or in cross-border programmes, develop the intercultural competencies, global awareness, and collaborative skills needed to foster cooperation and address global challenges? What innovative models of TNE, virtual exchange, and international learning can be used to strengthen universities’ role in preparing graduates for leadership in an increasingly complex world?
15:30 - 16:00	Refreshments and networking
16:00 - 17:15	Plenary area: 'fireside chat'	Geopolitical disruption and the role of the Commonwealth: Trump, China, and higher education’s strategic future A provocative session on how universities can navigate shifting alliances, trade wars, and global instability, while leveraging the Commonwealth for collaboration and resilience. Speakers: Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Secretary General; Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU); Dr Pankaj Mittel, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities
17:15 - 18:30	Break
18:30 - late	Evening reception and dinner with speeches and entertainment

8:30 - 9:00

Registration and networking

Venue opens for the day with exhibition stands and networking. Refreshments will be available upon arrival.

9:00 - 9:45

Welcome to ACU Congress

Speakers:

Professor Cheryl de la Rey, ACU Chair and Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Chief Executive and Secretary General

Professor Margaret Hutchinson, Vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi

9:45 - 11:00

Keynote speaker and Q&A

Universities and their social impact in a changing world

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Deputy President of South Africa, and Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg

11:00 - 11:45

Morning networking break

Refreshments available

11:45 - 13:00

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

Panel session: Shaping the future: global trends in Commonwealth higher education

What will the next decade hold for higher education across the Commonwealth? This panel, chaired by one of our keynote speakers, brings together international higher education leaders to explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector. From digital transformation and AI to funding models and global partnerships, the discussion will address the profound shifts universities must prepare for, particularly artificial intelligence, which is poised to radically alter society in the next 10-20 years. How can universities in the Commonwealth proactively shape debates around AI, ensure ethical integration, and prepare future leaders for this seismic technological change?

11:45 - 13:00

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

Fuelling growth and securing support: economic impact, funding strategies, and sustainable investment for Commonwealth universities

How can Commonwealth universities better demonstrate their economic and social value in an era of constrained funding? As universities across the Commonwealth continue to serve as engines of economic growth, innovation, and social mobility, the challenge remains: how can universities better communicate their value to governments and stakeholders in an era of tightening budgets and rising competition for resources?

This session will bring together delegates to discuss the findings of ACU-funded research on higher education’s economic contributions and explore strategies for securing sustainable investment. The discussion will also focus on innovative funding models, advocacy strategies and the importance of demonstrating universities’ critical role in national resilience and renewal. How can universities effectively win the hearts and minds of policymakers and the public, ensuring that they have the resources needed to drive prosperity and sustainable development across the Commonwealth? This session will also explore best practices for demonstrating impact and building long-term support for the higher education sector’s role in advancing economic growth, societal well-being and global progress across the Commonwealth.

11:45 - 13:00

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

Beyond 2030: Commonwealth universities as changemakers for a sustainable future

This session explores how universities are accelerating action on the SDGs and what role they can play beyond 2030. As we approach 2030, universities across the Commonwealth are playing a pivotal role in driving progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - expanding human capital, producing critical research, and implementing real-world solutions. But as 2030 approaches, can they do even more? This session will showcase impactful initiatives from across the Commonwealth and explore how universities can embed sustainability across disciplines, enhance collaboration with policymakers and industry, and take on a more active role in shaping a just, equitable, and resilient future for all Commonwealth citizens.

11:45 - 13:00

ACU Ambassadors session

How can universities sustain meaningful global engagement when geopolitics threatens to divide rather than connect?

This interactive session is framed as a debate on the motion: 'This house believes universities can sustain global collaboration despite rising geopolitical divides'. The session will challenge participants to consider both the opportunities and the constraints facing higher education partnerships today. Drawing on the ACU’s Equitable Research Partnerships Toolkit, the session will feature provocation, live audience voting, and practical takeaways. ACU Ambassadors will leave with concrete tools and critical perspectives to advance partnerships that are resilient, inclusive, and globally responsible.

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch and networking

14:00 - 15:30

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

Universities as catalysts for the future workforce

With youth populations growing across the Commonwealth, how are universities preparing students for the skills of the future? This breakout session explores how institutions are working with governments and policymakers to shape regional and national workforce needs. With AI, digital transformation, and shifting economic landscapes disrupting traditional models, what innovations are emerging across the Commonwealth? What more needs to happen to ensure universities remain at the heart of national renewal? Join this discussion to explore bold ideas and practical solutions for the future of work.

14:00 - 15:30

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

AI and the future of higher education in the Commonwealth: preparing for the unknown

With artificial intelligence poised to radically reshape society, this session will focus on how universities can anticipate the impact of AI, from research to ethics to workforce preparation. How can institutions lead debates on AI's ethical use, and what new skillsets must universities prioritise to prepare students for this new era?

14:00 - 15:30

Moderated closed door roundtable discussion

Innovation hubs and partnerships: building resilient ecosystems across the Commonwealth

This session will explore how Commonwealth universities can collaborate with governments, industries, and local communities to create innovation ecosystems that promote resilience and economic renewal. Participants would discuss best practices for developing and sustaining regional hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship.

14:00 - 15:30

ACU Ambassadors panel session and Q&A

Targeted session for ACU ambassadors: building bridges - universities, global citizenship, and the future of transnational education

In a world marked by shifting geopolitical landscapes and increasing barriers to mobility, universities play a crucial role in equipping students with the skills, experiences, and mindset needed to thrive in a globally interconnected yet fragmented environment. This session brings together international office leaders and transnational education (TNE) experts from across the Commonwealth to explore how institutions can embed global citizenship into their partnerships, curricula, and student experiences.

How can Commonwealth universities ensure that students, whether on campus or in cross-border programmes, develop the intercultural competencies, global awareness, and collaborative skills needed to foster cooperation and address global challenges? What innovative models of TNE, virtual exchange, and international learning can be used to strengthen universities’ role in preparing graduates for leadership in an increasingly complex world?

15:30 - 16:00

Refreshments and networking

16:00 - 17:15

Plenary area: 'fireside chat'

Geopolitical disruption and the role of the Commonwealth: Trump, China, and higher education’s strategic future

A provocative session on how universities can navigate shifting alliances, trade wars, and global instability, while leveraging the Commonwealth for collaboration and resilience.

Speakers: Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Secretary General; Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU); Dr Pankaj Mittel, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities

17:15 - 18:30

Break

18:30 - late

Evening reception and dinner with speeches and entertainment

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Programme: day two