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.