The World Academic Summit 2026 opened in Cape Town, South Africa, on September 29, bringing together global university leaders, policymakers, researchers and representatives from business and civil society to discuss the future of higher education in the age of artificial intelligence.
Organised by Times Higher Education (THE) and jointly hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Bristol, the three-day summit is being held in Africa for the first time. More than 500 delegates and 100 speakers are participating in discussions under the theme “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence.”
Artificial intelligence and its growing use by students and academics dominated the opening-day discussions. UCT Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela said the university had moved away from using AI-detection tools to penalise students and was instead focusing on teaching them how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Moshabela said UCT had developed its own AI framework and subsequently switched off AI detection tools, reflecting a shift from punishment toward supporting students in developing appropriate AI skills.
University of Bristol President and Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch said universities face different concerns about AI depending on cultural contexts but still need to work toward common standards for its use.
Related: International Future Conference 2026 Begins in Malaysia
The summit will continue through October 1, with discussions examining how universities can respond to rapid technological change while addressing issues of academic integrity, equity, research and the future role of higher education.
Considering the furore over the Jason Arde fiasco, we ask whether will there be any discussion on the dropping of academic and ethical standards in the quest to accommodate ‘minorities’ and people of colour?
