From October 7 to 9, 2025, the Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES) took part in the THE Times Higher Education World Academic Summit, conducted for the first time in the Middle East, in association with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in Thuwal, Jeddah Governorate, Saudi Arabia.
The meeting brought together prominent academic leaders and agents of change from around the world to reflect on the role of higher education as a driver of global progress. Within this framework, the Rectors' Forum was held, with the participation of university authorities from different countries.
On behalf of UEES, Isidro Fierro, rector of the institution, was a panelist in the session entitled “Regional partnerships in higher education as catalysts for stability and development”.
The panel discussed the central question: How can higher education strengthen fractured regional relationships and promote meaningful development? Participants shared experiences and strategies to foster collaboration across borders, sectors and institutions to build bridges to economic stability, peace and regional progress.
The rector emphasized the integrating role of universities to generate leaders with a global mindset. The importance of connecting with governments and private enterprise to provide solutions to the country's problems.
