David Garza at U21: AI and global changes are transforming education

Over 150 academic leaders from six continents have gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, to analyze how global changes are transforming higher education.

This gathering was the annual meeting of Universitas 21 (U21), a global network of leading research universities chaired by David Garza, Executive President of the Tecnológico de Monterrey Education Group.

"We're living at an unprecedented moment. AI is transforming the way we teach, investigate, and run our institutions", said Garza.

He added that as students' expectations have also changed, we need to rethink how we teach them.

"Student's expectations are evolving rapidly, funding issues are widespread, and the matter of how universities can remain relevant in the midst of these changes has become a fundamental challenge", he stressed.

University challenges in the face of AI-driven transformation

In a global context marked by geopolitical changes, new educational alternatives, and concerns over the value of higher education, David Garza presented the challenges that universities now face due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

During his participation as moderator of the panel The Big Picture: A President's Briefing on the State of Global Higher Education, Garza opened the discussion on how institutions are responding to this transformation.

"Yes, we've been slow to adapt to the era of artificial intelligence and we've underestimated it. We should be moving faster", he said.

He added that one of the main challenges is broadening access to quality education, under circumstances in which concerns are also growing over its value.

Strengthening human skills in the face of technological progress

Different university leaders joined this conversation to share how they are responding to these changes at their institutions.

Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, said that the rise of artificial intelligence has led to certain universities reinforcing the development of interpersonal and social skills.

"Especially in the era of artificial intelligence, it's essential to strengthen students' skills in areas such as critical thinking and human values", he pointed out.

U21 drives global collaboration between universities

Universitas 21 (U21) is a global network of research-focused universities that promotes academic collaboration, internationalization, and developing solutions to global challenges.

It is made up of 31 institutions from the six continents that are working together on research, learning, and development programs.

"At U21, we believe that leadership isn't a side issue; it's an essential pillar for shaping the future of higher education.

The quality of leadership at our institutions has a profound impact, which is why we're gathered here today", explained David Garza.

U21 is focused on topics such as global education and research, as well as the challenges faced by higher education leaders.

This network impacts over one million students and 200,000 faculty and staff members through programs for collaboration, research opportunities, learning, and development.

Garza explained how Tec de Monterrey being part of the U21 network shows the institution's contribution to generating changes and transforming realities for a better world.

"It's a very interesting opportunity for reflection and conversations between university presidents about what the future of higher education around the world is and how universities should evolve", he said.

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