Host Organisations
“In 2026, the University of Glasgow will mark its 575th anniversary with a year-long programme of events that not only celebrates our rich history but also sets out our ambitions for the future.
In honour of this significant milestone, we are proud to host the inaugural Universitas 21 Leadership Summit, a global gathering of senior leaders from the U21 Network and beyond. Drawing on the collective power of the U21 Network, the Summit will bring together leading voices from higher education, government, industry and the third sector to examine the forces transforming our societies, and the critical role universities play in responding to the grand challenges of our time.
From reimagining the way that we educate future leaders to exploring the impact of AI, global inequalities, and geopolitical instability, the Summit will explore how collective action and shared purpose can drive meaningful and lasting change, locally, nationally, and globally.
More than a celebration, this is a call to action, and an opportunity to mobilise the collective power of a global network that spans six continents and 20 countries.
We invite you to join us in making this Summit a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact. Together, we can change the world.”
Professor Rachel Sandison OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - External Engagement, University of Glasgow
In 2026 the University of Glasgow celebrates our 575th anniversary during which we plan to showcase our inventions, interventions and innovations that continue to shape the social, cultural and economic prosperity of our city, our country and civilisation itself. The U21Leadership summit will be one of the flagship events during this celebration.
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world since 1451. We are a world top 100 university and a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.
Our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
We believe that everyone should have fair access to education. We are proud of our long tradition of helping talented people to fulfil their ambitions, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our University of Sanctuary status recognises the safe and welcoming environment we provide for refugees and asylum seekers.
We are home to The Hunterian, our museum and art gallery, one of the leading university museums in the world. We have the world’s largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler and the largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
“I’m delighted to welcome you to the U21 Annual Network Meeting and inaugural Leadership Summit. In a rapidly changing world, this marks an important time to come together as a global community of leaders to share perspectives, challenge ideas, and reimagine the future of higher education for the benefit of our students and society.”
Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost, Universitas 21
Universitas 21 (U21) is a global network of 30 world-leading, research-intensive universities across six continents. United by a commitment to collaboration and internationalisation, U21 connects people across borders and cultures to enrich education, research and institutional capacity.
As a people-led network, at the heart of U21’s mission is enabling members to share knowledge, build networks and co-create solutions to common global challenges. Our work nurtures globally responsive citizens and future leaders, and supports institutional impact and personal development through inclusive, trusted partnerships.
We offer career development and leadership programmes for staff, and student opportunities focused on social innovation, employability and intercultural exchange. All activity is underpinned by strong commitments to sustainability, and equity, diversity and inclusion, driving real change across higher education and beyond.