University Dialogue on Pact for the Future Implementation Held at Beijing Foreign Studies University

Co-hosted by the United Nations University (UNU), the UN in China, the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), and the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Dialogue brought together academic leaders, UN officials, and representatives from government and civil society to advance the commitments of the Pact for the Future, a landmark document adopted at the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024. 

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Li Hai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, Ministry of Education of China; Mr. Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy (via video message); Mr. Themba Kalua, Director, Pact for the Future Implementation, Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General; and Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China.

Mr. Li Hai stated: “Universities must play a leading role in the dissemination of ideas, talent cultivation, and intercultural dialogue, integrating the spirit of the Pact into teaching, research, and society, promoting mutual learning among civilizations, enhancing international understanding, and laying a humanistic foundation for building a community of people.”

Mr. Guy Ryder emphasized: “The Pact for the Future reaffirms our commitment to multilateralism and cooperation. Universities play a critical role in turning words into action for a peaceful, sustainable future.”

Mr. Themba Kalua remarked: “At this pivotal moment, we must renew our commitment to solidarity and global cooperation. Academia is essential for transforming the Pact’s vision into real-world impact.”

Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee noted: “Young people and universities provide the momentum and ideas needed to realize the Pact for the Future. Academic collaboration will drive progress and shape future leaders.”

Welcome remarks were also delivered by Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector, UNU (via video message); Prof. Adam Day, Head of Geneva Office, United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, UNU; Prof. Mosa Moshabela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UCT (via video message); and Mr. Wang Dinghua, Chairman of the University Council, BFSU.

The event featured a keynote dialogue on future-oriented university research and collaboration, with participation from leading institutions including Shanghai New York University, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar), St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria), University of Buenos Aires (Argentina), University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom), and China Foreign Affairs University. Representatives shared insights on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering international partnerships, and leveraging innovation to address global challenges. The dialogue highlighted the importance of universities working together across borders to drive sustainable development and prepare students for the future.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the University Action Plan on Pact for the Future Implementation. The Action Plan prioritizes integrating the Pact into university curricula and education, fostering interdisciplinary learning and faculty development. It calls for building sustainable campuses that exemplify carbon neutrality and green infrastructure, while enhancing digital capacity and inclusion to ensure students and staff are equipped with digital literacy and responsible technology use. The Plan also emphasizes research innovation and knowledge transfer aligned with the Pact’s priorities, engaging youth and future generations in international dialogues and decision-making, and strengthening international cooperation and partnerships to collectively advance the goals of the Pact. The preparatory process for establishing a Center of Excellence for Future-Oriented Learning was also announced, aiming to provide a platform for best practices and collaboration in higher education.

The event concluded with an SDG Dialogue Series, fostering discussion on the role of universities in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Zhao Gang, Vice President of BFSU, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of collective action and ongoing collaboration among universities to realize the vision of the Pact for the Future.

As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, this Dialogue underscores the urgent need for universities to unite in developing multilateral solutions through research, education, and innovation. The UN calls upon academic institutions worldwide to translate the Pact for the Future into concrete actions, educating future leaders with global vision, responsibility, and innovation capabilities to build a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.