The Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit will be staged at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 27 and 28, its organiser announced on Tuesday.

The host — Hong Kong Association for External Friendship — said the two-day event would primarily focus on the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

Leaders from more than 50 renowned universities from more than 20 countries and regions, such as North America, Europe and those along the Belt and Road, will attend while presidents from 10 Hong Kong universities will each host a panel discussion.

Representatives from Harvard and Cambridge are among those taking part.

The association’s founding president and CEO Priscilla Leung said many institutions were aware of the Greater Bay Area, but did not know much about the NMUT.

She believes exchanges during and outside the event could help them gain a better understanding of the Northern Metropolis' potential.

“I believe two days, three forums certainly will have a lot and abundant communication in our post conference time. We have many activities,” Leung said.

“We will have some dinners where... top guest speakers also will have very great sharing for these international guests.”

Leung, who is also a lawmaker, said the occasion offers an opportunity for participating institutions to set up an exchange platform among themselves to foster more cooperation.

A number of government officials will also join the summit to better introduce the Northern Metropolis development as a whole, Leung added.

On the sidelines of the event, there will also be sessions focusing on youth development and the city’s status as an international legal hub.

The biannual event made its debut in 2024.





Edited by Tony Sabine