IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS, MU CO-ORGANIZES THE 2025 GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

MU took part in organizing the Global Higher Education Symposium, held in partnership with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and several leading international institutions. The event was held on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025, an annual gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Dr. Ayman Al-Barakati, the Director of CIFAL Saudi Arabia, represented MU in the symposium sessions and discussions, highlighting MU’s role in promoting sustainable education and impactful global partnerships.

The event brough together prominent international and academic figures, including:

• Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications at the United Nations
• Prof. Robert Dijkgraaf, President-elect of the International Science Council (ISC) and former Minister of Education in the Netherlands
• Ms. Nazhira Yusuf, Executive Director of the Global Governance Innovation Network
• Dr. Noah Sobe, Head of Higher Education at UNESCO
• Dr. Marcia Barbosa, Vice President of the International Science Council
• Dr. Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU)
• Dr. Fanta Aw, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA
• Dr. Arturo Condo, President of EARTH University
• Dr. Yensi Flores-Boso, University of Washington and global leader at the Young Academy
• Chris Foster, CEO of DNY and Chair of The Next Practice

The symposium, which brought together over 50 participants from various sectors, focused on the future of higher education and its role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions emphasized academic governance, social justice, and linking scientific research with policymaking.

Dr. Ayman Al-Barakati presented MU’s and CIFAL Saudi Arabia’s experience in advancing education through global partnerships and integrating sustainability into academic and development programs.

The sessions ended with writing a Zero Draft Statement, a consensus document aimed at delivering actionable recommendations to policymakers. The outcomes will be presented during the 2026 HLPF agenda, particularly within the theme of science, technology, and innovation, and the role of universities in the post-2030 world.

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