The Philippine Normal University took part in the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2024 held on December 2 to 3, 2024, in Hong Kong. Out of 55 invited entities from across the globe, PNU is the only higher education institution in the Philippines that was invited to take part in the prestigious academic gathering. The institution’s contingent consisted of its University President, Dr. Bert J. Tuga, and two students, namely, Mr. Mark Joar T. Calag and Mr. Roberto L. Rodriguez Jr., who are taking up the Bachelor of English Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education programs, respectively

Aside from representing PNU, Dr. Tuga also served as a panelist in the plenary session on Demographic Change and Education in Future, which focused on how educational institutions can adapt to challenges brought about by the evolving population, considering the demand for diverse learning environments. Dr. Tuga was joined by leaders from universities based in Hong Kong, USA, Brunei, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Mr. Calag and Mr. Rodriguez were given the opportunity to attend parallel learning sessions and engage in dialogue with the world’s top university executives.

GUPLS 2024 is a response to the call for Hong Kong to serve as a hub of exchange in higher education through the hosting of international conferences that tackle issues pressing on the landscape of the academe. The gathering also recognizes the capacity of university presidents and top students to become opinion leaders and shape the direction to be taken by the next generation of learners.

The two-day conference was organized by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship and supported by the Education University of Hong Kong, a long-time partner of PNU in many academic endeavors.