Mount Kenya University (MKU) was represented at the NAFSA Global Summit by Prof. Mary Mugwe Chui, Associate Professor in the School of Education and the University’s SDGs Champion. The summit took place from 19–23 January 2026 in Tangier, Morocco, bringing together global leaders in higher education under the theme “Future-Ready at the Crossroads of Civilization.”
Organized by the NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the summit convened university leaders, policymakers, international education practitioners, development partners, and private sector actors from across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The forum provided a global platform to examine how higher education institutions can respond to emerging global challenges while strengthening collaboration across regions.
Research Contribution from MKU
During the summit, Prof. Chui presented a co-authored paper with Prof. Peter Wanderi titled “Accelerating Change: Innovative Partnerships to Achieve the SDGs.” The paper explored how universities can harness innovative partnerships with industry, communities, and international networks to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The presentation demonstrated the critical role universities play in fostering collaborative solutions to global development challenges, particularly through interdisciplinary partnerships and knowledge exchange.
In addition to presenting the paper, Prof. Chui chaired a session that engaged participants in practical discussions on partnership models, sustainability strategies, and implementation approaches across different regions of the world.
Showcasing MKU’s Global Impact
The summit provided an opportunity to highlight Mount Kenya University’s leadership in advancing sustainable development within higher education. Prof. Chui showcased MKU’s contributions in promoting Sustainable Development Goal 9 and Sustainable Development Goal 10, as well as the university’s role as a United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair.
She also demonstrated how MKU integrates the SDGs across teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, positioning the institution as an active contributor to global development and transformation in higher education.
Key Discussions at the Summit
The summit focused on the evolving role of higher education in a rapidly changing world characterized by technological advancement, geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and economic shifts. Several key themes emerged during the discussions, including:
- Strengthening international partnerships and collaboration
- Enhancing student mobility and global learning opportunities
- Promoting ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence
- Aligning academic programs with labour market demands
- Advancing gender empowerment, inclusion, and access to education
- Encouraging innovation, creativity, and experiential learning
Participants emphasized that universities must adopt adaptive, inclusive, and future-oriented education systems that prepare graduates to address complex global challenges.
Strategic Engagement
A notable highlight of the summit was Prof. Chui’s engagement with Fanta Aw, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA. The interaction provided an opportunity to discuss global education leadership and explore avenues for strengthening institutional collaboration and international engagement.
Positioning MKU as a Future-Ready University
Participation in the NAFSA Global Summit reaffirmed Mount Kenya University’s commitment to internationalization, innovation, and sustainable development. The insights gained from the summit are expected to support MKU in further strengthening global partnerships, promoting responsible use of technology in education, and expanding opportunities for student mobility and experiential learning.
The summit also reinforced the importance of collaboration, ethical leadership, and knowledge exchange in shaping the future of higher education and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals globally.
Report submitted by Prof. Mary Mugwe Chui, Associate Professor, School of Education, and MKU SDGs Champion.
