
Welcome to the International USR Summit 2022
The International USR Summit is a biennial flagship event of the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN). The Summit brings together higher education leaders, academics, students and practitioners from all continents to exchange ideas and foster partnerships among universities and to advance the global USR movement – to share insights in advancing university social responsibility, generating social impact and driving sustainable development around the world.
In 2015, the United Nations Member States defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a universal call for action by all countries to tackle climate change, end poverty and build a more sustainable and inclusive world by 2030. Higher education plays a unique role in creating knowledge and cultivating talent. None of the 17 SDGs can be achieved without major contributions by university education and research.
The International USR Summit 2022 will be hosted virtually by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University from 16 to 18 November 2022. This action-oriented Summit, themed “Education and Action for a Sustainable Future” aims to nurture and guide generations of new leaders who will drive social change, and translate innovative ideas into concrete steps for a better, inclusive and sustainable future.
The Summit also provides opportunities to accelerate University Social Responsibility (USR) globally, and to share insights and innovative strategies to elevate institutions’ contributions to achieving the SDGs.
USR SUMMIT 2022
16-18 November 2022 VIRTUAL
Important Dates
Event Date: | 16-18 November 2022 |
Abstract Submission Deadline: | 30 September 2022 (extended to 9 October 2022) |
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: | 21 October 2022 |
Summit Registration: | Until 18 November 2022 |
*As one of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s 85th Anniversary celebrating activities, the International USR Summit 2022 will have no registration fee.
Supporting Organisations



SUMMIT THEME
Themed “Education and Action for a Sustainable Future”, the International USR Summit 2022 aims to nurture and guide generations of new leaders who will drive social change, and translate innovative ideas into concreate steps for a better, inclusive and sustainable future.
Acknowledging a broad range of possible issues, the Summit is arranged along the lines of the below sub-themes:
- Assessing and Reinforcing USR Impacts
- Collaborative Research to Address Global Challenges
- Driving Institutional Changes for USR
- Education to Cultivate Social Responsibility
- Elevating Sustainable Development through Regional and Global Collaboration
- Social Innovation for Inclusive Communities
Latest News
International USR Summit Successfully Concluded on 18 November 2022
21 November 2022
The International USR Summit 2022: Education and Action for a Sustainable Future, co-organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN), was successfully concluded on 18 November 2022, bringing together more than 140 speakers and over 640 online participants from 78 countries/regions to exchange ideas, foster partnerships among universities and advance the global USR movement. (Click to read more.)
About the University Social Responsibility Network

The University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) was established in 2015 on the belief that universities have an obligation to work together to find solutions to address economic, social and environmental challenges facing the world today, making the world more just, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable.
Serving as a global platform to connect and foster partnership among members, the USRN shares ideas and resources to develop collaborative USR projects with varied scope and scale, advancing higher education as a catalyst for social change through education, research and community service.
The USRN comprises 20 member institutions with wide geographic spread. Members are leading universities in their countries dedicated to make a positive impact for the benefits of the society and the world. Currently, the Network is chaired by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
USRN Member Institutions
Contact Us
For any inquiries, please contact the USRN Secretariat.
ST305, 3/F, Ng Wing Hong Building
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon
Hong Kong SAR