About the Summit
Background
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) enjoys the unique advantage of "One Country, Two Systems", supported by the mainland while remaining seamlessly connected to the world. Long established as a leading international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong has in recent years deepened its integration into the nation’s development strategy while continuing to expand its global connections — playing an increasingly important role in shaping a broader, deeper and more comprehensive landscape of international engagement for the country.
Hong Kong is committed to positioning itself as an international hub for higher education. It is the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, while all eight of its UGC-funded institutions are placed among Asia’s top 100 — a clear sign of the city’s rising standing in global academia. At the heart of this ambition is the University Town in the Northern Metropolis, a flagship higher-education initiative designed to support the development of top-tier talent and to deepen industry–research collaboration. Together, these efforts reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a “Super-connector” between the nation and the world, in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan’s emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy.
It is against this backdrop that the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 (GUPLS 2026) takes place. Organised by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship (HKAEF), a non-profit organisation established with the support of the State, GUPLS 2026 is convened under the central theme of “Globalisation of Knowledge — How University Education Should Respond to Rapid Global Development and Community Needs”. The Summit provides a high-level international platform for university leaders to examine how higher education should evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing world and the evolving needs of the community. In doing so, GUPLS 2026 will also support the long-term development of the University Town in the Northern Metropolis and advance seven-party collaboration among Government, Industry, Academia, Research, Investment, Financing and Application — propelling university research beyond the “ivory tower” and into society. With knowledge as the bridge, the Summit aims to connect the world’s intellectual community in Hong Kong and shape the future direction of higher education together.
Objectives
Build Asia’s Next Flagship
Establish GUPLS as the second flagship international education event in Asia.
Connect Leaders and Future Talent
Convene global and local academic leaders, knowledge pioneers and outstanding students to strengthen people-to-people ties at the highest level of academia.
Share Hong Kong’s Story with the World
Invite leading international talent to experience Hong Kong and the Guangdong–Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area first-hand, telling the stories of “One Country, Two Systems” and Hong Kong to the world.
Advance Exchange Across Boundaries
Promote cross-generational, cross-disciplinary and cross-border exchange among top-tier talent, with Hong Kong as the convening point.
About the Organiser
The Hong Kong Association for External Friendship was established in fulfilment of the reply of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (“Friendship” Correspondence [2023] No. 108) on July 11, 2023, pursuant to proposal No. 5843 of the First Session of the 14th National People's Congress. Its establishment was subsequently approved by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on October 17, 2023.
The objectives of The Hong Kong Association for External Friendship are as follows:
- As a non-governmental organisation, The Hong Kong Association for External Friendship is committed to building and deepening friendships with members of the international community, laying and expanding the social foundation for friendly relations between China and other countries, and leveraging the unique role of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a super connector.
- To enhance people-to-people friendships, promote international cooperation that is conducive to maintaining world peace, and driving common development.
- To implement China's independent and peaceful foreign policy, carry out comprehensive, multi-level, and wide-ranging civil friendship work, serve the cause of China's peaceful development and reunification, and build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.
- To organise mutual visits of delegations, hold commemorative activities, initiate and host exchange activities including seminars, lectures, and forums, and conduct civil friendly exchanges between Hong Kong, Mainland China, and other countries and regions to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and develop friendships.
- To establish liaison mechanisms, build cooperation platforms, and promote pragmatic cooperation in fields such as economy, environmental protection, science and technology, and talent, thereby fostering international cooperation and creating favourable conditions for achieving win-win results and common development.
- To promote cultural exchanges by sending or receiving cultural groups or individuals for friendly visits, facilitating mutual learning in the cultural field, enhancing understanding and friendship, and conducting civil cultural exchanges.
- To promote the establishment and development of friendly relations between the Hong Kong SAR, and other countries and regions, and to foster exchanges and cooperation between their localities and cities.
- To participate in civil exchange activities of other international non-governmental organisations.
- To alleviate poverty by providing education, training, and employment opportunities, supporting children and youth from impoverished families, and those living in subdivided flats.
- To promote the integration and development of local ethnic minority communities in education, culture, and friendship-building to foster external friendships.