AUEB Rector Professor Vassilis Vasdekis attends the GUPLS 2026 Summit in Hong Kong - Strengthening AUEB’s International Presence and Global Partnerships
Press Release
AUEB Rector Professor Vassilis Vasdekis Attends the GUPLS 2026 Summit in Hong Kong
Strengthening the International Presence and Partnerships of the Athens University of Economics and Business
Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), successfully represented the University at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 (GUPLS 2026), held on 27–28 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
With a focus on strengthening collaboration among government, industry, universities, research institutions and investors, the Summit provided a multifaceted platform for international dialogue, extensive and constructive exchanges of views, and collaboration among universities from around the world.
Participants came from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. More specifically, the Summit brought together rectors and senior university executives from more than 50 universities, representing over 20 countries and regions worldwide. The institutions represented included, among others, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Toronto, Goethe University Frankfurt, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), KAIST, Nanyang Technological University and Umm Al-Khula University in Saudi Arabia, as well as leading universities from mainland China. Representatives from 10 universities in Hong Kong also took part in the Summit.
As an invited speaker, Professor Vasdekis had the opportunity to present AUEB and engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders of leading universities from around the world. Discussions focused on the theme of the “Globalisation of Knowledge” and how higher education can respond to rapidly evolving global developments, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence, while addressing the changing needs of society.
The Summit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views and best practices, establish new contacts, and explore opportunities for future collaboration. AUEB’s participation as the only Greek university represented at the Summit further enhanced its international visibility and reaffirmed its active role in the global academic community.
AUEB Rector, Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, stated: “The participation of the Athens University of Economics and Business in the GUPLS 2026 Summit reaffirms the University’s steadfast commitment to internationalisation, global engagement and the development of strategic partnerships with leading universities worldwide. At a time when artificial intelligence and rapid technological advances are transforming higher education, the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices is more important than ever. AUEB seeks to play an active role in the international dialogue on the future of universities, contributing to the development of a modern academic environment that brings together innovation and excellence while responding to the needs of society.”
