As the world¡¯s attention turns towards Latin America ahead of COP30, the region¡¯s universities are preparing to take centre stage in the global conversation around innovation, sustainability and digital inclusion. 51³Ô¹Ï (THE) is partnering with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) for this year¡¯s to pave the way for institutional excellence through discussions on a sustainable and secure digital revolution, and strategies for driving regional economic growth.

The prestigious summit will take place on 8-10 July 2025 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and will bring together cross-continental and global partners from higher education, industry, policy and civil society to champion higher education as a source of trusted knowledge and shape the future of the sector.

The summit¡¯s sessions will centre around three timely themes:

• Leading a sustainable and secure digital revolution: This theme will focus on how higher education, industry and government can work together to ensuring equitable access, create forward-thinking ethical regulatory frameworks for AI and data governance, and expand digital literacy to empower all members of society
• Charting the road to COP 30: Higher education for a sustainable future: This theme¡¯s discussions will centre on the urgent need to equip students with green skills and the ability to drive systemic change. Experts will examine universities¡¯ pivotal role in advancing the green transition by fostering innovation, developing skills and shaping evidence-based policies
• Fostering innovation ecosystems to drive regional economic growth: This theme will investigate how universities can serve as anchors for regional innovation ecosystems, aligning academic research with entrepreneurship and policy to stimulate economic development in Latin America and beyond.

The summit is a call to action for universities across the region to redefine their role in building equitable societies, fostering economic resilience and driving technological progress. Speakers will discuss how we can strengthen academic collaboration with government, civil society and industry, and will explore strategies to increase research visibility and?advance?internationalisation. They will also consider how these goals can be achieved while protecting the environment, upholding minority rights, promoting mental health on campus and fostering technological advancement in local communities.

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A standout line-up of speakers will lead the conversations, with key names including:

• Sandra Almeida, rector, Federal University of Minas Gerais
• Nilma Lino Gomes, former minister for women, racial equality and human rights, Government of Brazil
• Denise Pires de Carvalhos, president, Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education
• Edilene L?bo, judge, Higher Electoral Court of Brazil
• Densil Williams, principal and pro vice-chancellor, The University of the West Indies
• Ignacio de la Vega, vice-president for global affairs, Tecnol¨®gico de Monterrey
• Silvia Caro, vice-president for academic affairs, Universidad de los Andes
• William Maloney, chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, World Bank
• Francesc Pedr¨®, director of the International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, Unesco

Over three days, more than 250 delegates will hear from 80-plus thought leaders, experts and change-makers to celebrate Latin America's achievements, acknowledge the challenges ahead, advocate for the ethical use of emerging technologies and promote inclusivity in the scientific community.

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Phil Baty, THE¡¯s Chief 51³Ô¹Ï Affairs Officer, said: ¡°This event in Brazil will be a gathering of great leadership to showcase the growth of world-class research hubs across Latin America, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the Federal University of Minas Gerais to host such a timely and relevant event exploring higher education¡¯s innovations in science, technology, sustainability and research.¡±

Sandra Almeida, UFGM¡¯s rector, commented: ¡°We are thrilled to host the THE Latin America Universities Summit 2025 in July. As we approach our university¡¯s 100th anniversary, we celebrate a significant milestone. Since our founding, we have been driven by a unique perspective: to transform lives and advance the development of Brazil and Latin America through high-quality higher education.¡±

Tickets for delegates representing a university, association, public sector or NGO are $199 and tickets for delegates representing a corporate organisation are $499. .?

If you are a member of the media or press and would like to cover the event, please email events@timeshighereducation.com.

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