Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) hosted the World-Class University Presidents Forum & Expo at its Xingqing Campus on April 7.

Presidents and representatives from 29 universities and research institutions gathered to discuss critical topics, including "the role of higher education in global governance," "artificial intelligence reshaping higher education," and "paths for future talent cultivation."

Zhang Liqun, president of XJTU and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, outlines the university's expanding international cooperation framework during the forum.

In his keynote address, Zhang Liqun, president of XJTU and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, remarked that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century.

He noted that rapid technological leaps, especially the evolution of AI and humanoid robotics, will drastically boost global productivity. However, he warned that the international order and cultural understanding face increasing challenges. He emphasized that universities possess a unique advantage in disseminating culture and nurturing young students with both national pride and a global perspective.

Zhang Xiang, president of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and academician of both the US National Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed the historical progression from the agricultural and industrial revolutions to the AI revolution. He shared HKU's practical experiences in AI-empowered teaching, smart management, and the establishment of interdisciplinary innovation colleges.

Vladimir Filippov discusses the SCO University's role in bridging top-tier educational institutions to drive deep collaboration in research and talent cultivation across member states.

Vladimir Filippov, chairman of the council of rectors of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) University, stated that while cultural, historical, and socio-economic conditions shape every national education system, globalization and regionalization are not opposing forces but paths that develop in parallel. He highlighted how the SCO University has used multilateral cooperation to foster deep synergy in education, research, and talent cultivation among member states.

Phil Taylor, president of the University of Bath and fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, introduced the university's recent achievements and its collaborative successes with XJTU. He noted that as technical challenges become increasingly complex, universities worldwide are facing unprecedented tests.

He said that institutions must move beyond traditional models to build a research ecosystem defined by true interdisciplinary integration between industry, academia, and research. By involving undergraduates in real-world research projects, universities can hone students' academic abilities and innovative thinking, molding them into high-quality, versatile talents with a strong spirit of collaboration.

Presidents and representatives from 29 universities and research institutions convene for a roundtable to address the challenges of global governance and AI in education.

During the roundtable discussions, guests engaged in detailed exchanges to build consensus. Participants expressed hope that their global peers in higher education will work side-by-side with more open minds and practical measures. Through educational cooperation and joint consultations, they aim to work together to promote the prosperity and development of higher education around the world.