It is with great pleasure that we announce that the THE World Academic Summit 2026 will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa. Global leaders in higher education, research and policy will meet at the University of Cape Town, the first ever host of the THE World Academic Summit on the African continent. Against the backdrop of extraordinary technological, social and environmental change, this year’s summit will explore how universities can harness intelligence – human, artificial and collective – to shape fairer, more sustainable and future-ready societies.

Keynote sessions, high-level debates and exclusive networking opportunities will examine how universities can redefine their role in a rapidly evolving world.

Be part of the global conversation on how higher education can shape knowledge, justice and futures in the age of intelligence. Book your ticket now to secure your place.

The future university: Purpose, people, pedagogy and planet

How can universities balance innovation with integrity? Explore new approaches to pedagogy, funding and leadership that place people, purpose and the planet at the centre of higher education.

Universities and society: Trust, justice and public good

In an era of polarisation and inequality, universities must lead with justice, trust and accountability. This theme examines their role as catalysts for equity, inclusion and social transformation.

Reframing global collaboration: Equity, co-creation and resilient societies

The future of partnerships must be equitable and reciprocal. We explore how institutions – particularly in the Global South – can co-create resilient, fair and impactful knowledge ecosystems.

Ethical AI, access and innovation

AI and digital innovation are reshaping higher education. This theme asks how universities can close access gaps, champion ethical leadership and build inclusive digital futures for all.

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Anticipate disruption with insight

Gain first-hand perspectives on how AI, climate change and shifting global power dynamics are reshaping higher education – and how leaders can move from reacting to proactively shaping the future.

Build resilient, ethical leadership

Learn how to balance technological and institutional innovation with integrity, justice and sustainability, equipping yourself to lead with purpose in increasingly complex environments.

Forge global connections that matter

Join a network of senior leaders from across continents to co-create equitable partnerships, share strategies, and develop actionable solutions for universities as civic anchors and global actors.

"It is with great anticipation that I welcome you to the University of Cape Town for this momentous gathering of the THE World Academic Summit 2026. This summit is more than a conversation about higher education. It is an opportunity to ask how we – as a global community of scholars, policy makers, civil society and global leaders influencing the higher education space – can reconceive knowledge for the future, and in doing so, create pathways that are inclusive, sustainable and just."

Professor Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town

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