Thuwal: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) hosted the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit 2025, held for the first time in the Middle East. The three-day summit began on Tuesday, bringing together 750 participants, including 105 keynote speakers representing 75 institutions from 28 countries.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the summit brought together leading university presidents, decision-makers, industry leaders, and academics from across the globe to discuss the theme 'Universities as Agents of Change.' The event explored the role of universities in accelerating innovation and economic growth, promoting sustainability, preserving culture, and strengthening global collaboration.
Key topics featured in the summit included the role of universities in building sustainable and resilient cities, how universities can evolve to address shared global challenges, and how to prepare future generations for a rapidly changing world. Speakers presented research-based practical solutions that address real-world needs, from developing sustainable cities to innovations in health and artificial intelligence, as well as the essential skills students need to build a sustainable future.
In his opening remarks, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne said that hosting this landmark summit for the first time in the Middle East affirms Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in science and innovation. He added that the milestone also underscores KAUST's role as a benchmark model for universities designed to deliver impact, noting that the summit provides an opportunity to collaborate with global partners to drive progress and help shape the future of higher education.
Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education Phil Baty said that the summit brought together some of the most influential voices in higher education to address the challenges and opportunities facing universities today. He noted that KAUST's hosting of the event reflects its mission-driven role in supporting Saudi Arabia's priorities in research, development, and innovation under Saudi Vision 2030. Baty added that such priorities span diverse fields, including health and well-being, environmental sustainability, leadership in energy and industry, and future economies.