Co-hosted by APRU and the University of Sydney, the event will consider how universities can plan for the future as the world begins cautiously to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A round table discussion on Day 1, 19 October, will encourage participants to share insights on how internationally focused universities can turn the upheaval caused by the pandemic into positives; we will brainstorm on the role university networks like APRU can play in this process as we move forward.

A breakout room discussion on Day 2 will enable participants to contribute ideas to the post-pandemic strategic priorities of APRU, addressing both the goals of our members and broader global challenges.

Professor Mark Scott, new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney, will welcome participants, Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) of the University of Sydney will give a Welcome to Country, and the keynote address will be given by renowned University of Sydney evolutionary biologist and virologist, Professor Eddie Holmes, on “Lessons from COVID-19 in the New Pandemic Age”. Professor Holmes is the current NSW Scientist of the Year, in recognition of his work on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.

Following on from the event, you are invited to join the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) Mentoring Program Inaugural Graduation Ceremony on 21 October. Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, will deliver an address, and we will also hear from mentors and mentees about their fascinating journey of empowering aspiring leaders and being empowered themselves. We hope you can join this celebratory moment to congratulate the first cohort of graduates and share their joy.

Click here to view the latest meeting program (as of October 11).

Registration for the meeting is closed. For enquiries, please contact Ms Elaine Hung at [email protected].