McMaster Delegation Attends U21 Annual Network Meeting and Leadership Summit 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland

From April 20-23, 2026, McMaster delegates attended the Universitas 21 (U21) Annual Network Meeting (ANM) and inaugural Leadership Summit hosted by the University of Glasgow as part of their 575th anniversary celebrations. The events brought together senior leaders and officers from universities across the global U21 network to explore emerging questions, challenges, and opportunities facing higher education.  

The delegation included Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh, Vice-Provost, International; Dr. Kimberley Dej, Vice-Provost, Teaching & Learning; Mr. Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President, Students; and Dr. Amira El Masri, Director, Office of International Affairs (OIA). During the ANM, McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Susan Tighe, was officially welcomed to the U21 network.  

Events Overview
The 2026 U21 ANM and Leadership Summit centered on the role of universities as agents of change in a time of global transition, with discussions examining pertinent topics such as artificial intelligence, geopolitics, and knowledge diplomacy, and the ways they are shaping higher education. 

Diverse forms of engagement – keynote sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops – encouraged participants to explore how universities can become global actors in the face of global challenges through cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Innovation, equity, and international engagement emerged as key themes in building a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future. 

To learn more about the two events, please click here. 

McMaster Involvement
During the two events, McMaster representatives actively contributed to conversations and initiatives across the U21 network. 

As part of the U21 Senior Leaders’ Workshop, Dr. Ibhawoh facilitated a discussion on “The “New” Knowledge Diplomacy – from state-led to university-led.” The session explored the growing role of universities in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global landscape, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between universities and government sectors to foster a shared understanding of the value and impact of international university partnerships. 

In her role as McMaster’s U21 Officer, Dr. El Masri participated in the U21 Officers’ Structured Meetings, fostering discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and engagement among member institutions. During the ANM, she further led the inaugural Knowledge Drops session on “Strategic Delegation Planning: From Alignment to Impact.” Dr. El Masri envisioned Knowledge Drops as a workshop-based initiative that aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices across the U21 network. Through opportunities for dialogue and shared learning, the sessions work to bridge offices, portfolios, and areas of expertise within member universities to strengthen collaboration.  

This first session explored approaches to international delegation planning and institutional engagement, encouraging participants to share strategies and experiences from across the network. It was designed in collaboration with U21 Officers Dr. Raluca Nahorniac (University of Maryland), Nicolai Sinn (University of Amsterdam), and Luz Patricia Montaño Salinas (Tecnológico de Monterrey). 

In addition, McMaster delegates met with both existing and prospective U21 partners to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities for future collaboration in research collaboration, teaching and learning, and international engagement.  

This July, McMaster will welcome graduate students from across U21 member universities to attend the School for Sustainable Policy Leadership. The 2026 ANM and Leadership Summit further provided a forum for the OIA to share updates on the school’s development and invite U21 faculty to participate as guest attendees. 

Together, the events helped reinforce McMaster’s commitment to international collaboration, innovation across education, and meaningful global engagement through the U21 network. 

McMaster joined U21 in 2018 and is also a member of the U21 Health Sciences Group. To read more about McMaster’s engagement with U21, please click here.  

Photo Copyright: Stuart Campbell and Stephen McCann, University of Glasgow and Martin Shields, Martin Shields Photography