Overview
SUSTAINABILITY (7): Recent developments in research and teaching towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
University Global Ranking: Reality or Myth- Rethinking Quality, Excellence, and Global Competitiveness in Academia
Online International Conference and Journal Special Issue REGISTRTAION
Wednesday 5th November 2025 (09:30 - 14:30 UK Time)
Following the success of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd , 4th, 5th and 6th conferences in the series, this conference will focus on the “University Global Ranking: Reality or Myth” captures the growing debate around the legitimacy, fairness, and actual value of global university rankings. It challenges target audiences to question whether these rankings truly reflect the quality of education, research, and impact of institutions or whether they are shaped by selective, Western-centric metrics that create myths about excellence. “Rethinking Quality, Excellence, and Global Competitiveness in Academia”, shifts the focus toward a broader, more inclusive understanding of what constitutes academic success. It encourages higher education stakeholders to move beyond narrow ranking criteria and rethink how global academic excellence should be defined and pursued.
We invite all academics and professionals from Higher Education Institutions (HEI) (universities, colleges and research institutions) and private sector to join us in this global conference to explore innovative strategies, collaborative initiatives, and transformative approaches that empower educational leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards the acceleration of the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the conference, selection of WASD Top Experts will present their recent reach on SD and answer questions about their future research and studies in the subject.
Location
Queen Mary University of London, QMB Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
Team
The conference is organised by several committees from WASD and under close supervision of WASD Advisory Board.
Team
- Professor Allam Ahmed: Chair and President WASD
- Professor Arshi Naim: Editorial Advisor
- Janet Snow: International Coordinator and Editor
The Special issue on “University Global Ranking: Reality or Myth” captures the growing debate around the legitimacy, fairness, and actual value of global university rankings. It challenges target audiences to question whether these rankings truly reflect the quality of education, research, and impact of institutions or whether they are shaped by selective, Western-centric metrics that create myths about excellence. “Rethinking Quality, Excellence, and Global Competitiveness in Academia”, shifts the focus toward a broader, more inclusive understanding of what constitutes academic success. It encourages higher education stakeholders to move beyond narrow ranking criteria and rethink how global academic excellence should be defined and pursued.Submission Guidelines: Original manuscripts follow the journal guidelines and the theme of the special issue can be submitted directly on the journal online submission: 
