By: Genevieve Balance Kupang

To our readers, I hope you enjoyed reading the first article in our Webinar series. If you missed it, here is the link: WURI Foundation Hosts 2024 Meeting and Webinar Inspiring Innovation for the 2025 Global Rankings at https://www. pressenza.com/2025/01/wuri-foundation-hosts-2024-meeting-and-webinar-inspiring-innovation-for-the-2025-global-rankings/.

WUNI Chairs Illuminate Paths to HEI Innovation

This is the second article in the WURI Webinar series, held on December 5, 2024, and organized by the World University Rankings for Innovation Foundation (WURI-F). Part of the event featured presentations from the three branches of the World University Network of Innovation (WUNI): Presidents (WUNI-P), Leaders (WUNI-L), and Experts (WUNI-E). Led by their respective chairs, these groups inspired participants with their insights and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in higher education.

As branches of WURI-F, a non-stock, non-profit organization based in the Republic of Korea, WUNI-P, WUNI-L, and WUNI-E are dedicated to advancing impactful innovations across universities worldwide. This engaging session underscored the vital role of collaboration and creativity in shaping the future of higher education.

World University Network of Innovation for Presidents (WUNI-P)

The first presenter to introduce the World University Network of Innovation for Presidents (WUNI-P) was Dr. Ho Hwan Chun, Chairperson of WUNI-P from Tongmyong University (TU) in Busan, Korea. He first expressed gratitude to aSSIST University for the opportunity to present and provide a brief overview of WUNI-P. Dr. Chun described WUNI-P as a global collaborative platform designed for innovative higher education leaders to exchange strategies that drive institutional advancements and create a global impact.

Leading the Charge: Dr. Ho Hwan Chun Unveils the Purpose and Goals of the World University Network of Innovation for Presidents.

WUNI-P offers opportunities for presidents, provosts, rectors, chancellors,  top leaders or administrators, vice-chancellors, and vice presidents to learn from and share best practices in innovation occurring at higher education institutions worldwide. This special network promotes innovative global approaches to enhance higher education institutions, focusing on supporting the WURI Foundation and advocating for nontraditional metrics in ranking systems that yield real societal and industrial impact. Moreover, it emphasizes innovation through measurable outcomes that address global educational challenges, particularly in sustainable development, ethical governance, and inclusive practices.

Dr. Chun also presented key initiatives and timelines set to be accomplished by 2025. He concluded his presentation by reiterating his commitment to mutual growth, collaboration, and innovation among higher education institutions.

You can visit this link for the details about the constitution and bylaws: https://www.wuri.world/_files/ugd/8e5131_aee26450866348e4908ab2262ef2b32f.pdf

World University Network of Innovation for Leaders (WUNI-L)

Prof. Robert Hayden, Chair of WUNI-L, presents the various committees formed within WUNI-L. This presentation includes the chairs and advisers of each committee, as well as the specific roles that each committee will focus on.

Professor Robert Frederick Hayden Jr. from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, Philippines, introduced the World University Network for Innovation – Leaders (WUNI-L), a branch of the WURI Foundation, dedicated to fostering innovation in higher education. He highlighted WUNI-L’s mission to promote ethical leadership, international collaboration, and transformative innovation. By addressing global educational challenges, the initiative aims to enhance institutional innovation, sustainable development, and inclusivity. Prof. Hayden emphasized WUNI-L’s role as a collaborative platform for university leaders to share strategies and drive meaningful global impact.

Prof. Robert Hayden, chair of WUNI-L, shines a spotlight on innovation and collaboration, declaring WUNI-L as a beacon of light for transformative change.

Purpose and Goals

Professor Hayden outlined several key purposes of WUNI-L: 1) Driving Institutional Advancements – facilitating the exchange of innovative strategies; 2) Sharing Best Practices – learning from global examples in higher education; 3) Developing Impactful Approaches – creating innovative solutions to societal and industry needs; and 4) Focusing on Sustainable Development – prioritizing ethical governance and inclusivity through measurable outcomes. These objectives position WUNI-L as a significant agent of change within the academic community.

Committee Structure

WUNI-L comprises six specialized committees, each led by esteemed chairs and advisors: 1) Strategic Planning & Governance (Chair: Pinaki Ghosh, India; Advisor: Jung-Wan Cho, Korea); 2) Innovation & Research (Chair: Carmen Cretu, Romania; Advisor: Peter Schmieder, Germany); 3) Sustainability & SDG Integration (Chair: Ursula El Hage, Lebanon; Advisor: Robert Hayden, Philippines); 4) Partnership & Internationalization (Chair: Jenelyn Magpatoc, Philippines; Advisors: Nimet Bulut, Turkey, & Natalia Yeokyungkim, Korea); 5) Academic Quality & Standards (Chair: Jinhee Choi, Korea; Advisor: Theresa Vincent, India); and 6) Student Engagement & Leadership (Chair: Steve Solano, Philippines; Advisor: Felson Dalaguete, Philippines).

The inaugural WUNI-L officers were introduced: President Rob Hayden, 1st VP JW Cho, 2nd VP Theresa Vincent, Secretary Nimet Bulut, Treasurer Natalia Yeokyungkim, Auditor Felson Dalaguete, PRO Tae Yeon Oh, Liaison Geon-cheol Shin, and Communications Officer Michael Dino. Professor Hayden emphasized the potential for innovation and inspiration within the academic community through this collaborative framework.

One-Year Activity Plan Framework

Professor Hayden shared WUNI-L’s strategic focus for the upcoming year, which includes: quarterly committee meetings for planning and project implementation; a Logo Design Challenge; Innovation Projects, such as webinars and masterclasses addressing global educational challenges; Fundraising Efforts through merchandise sales and events; and preparations for the WURI Global Conference 2025 in Busan in September.  Like WUNI-P and WUNI-E, WUNI-L use platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger and email for coordination.

He addressed the members’ request for the issuance of membership certificates for WUNI-L under the WURI Foundation. Following his call to action, he introduced the Officers of WUNI-L. He concluded with an inspiring message: “Let us celebrate, innovate, and inspire, WUNI-L!”

 In closing, Professor Hayden urged active engagement in committees, emphasizing that collective efforts will establish WUNI-L as a cornerstone of innovation in higher education. He noted quarterly meetings, with additional special meetings as needed, and highlighted the importance of communication via WhatsApp, Messenger, and email. To learn more about WUNI-L, please visit this link: WUNI-L Information at https://www.wuri.world/_files/ugd/8e5131_91161d28d 5c540f5a38b50ecc2f3 d3e5.pdf.

World University Network of Innovation for Experts (WUNI-E)

Dr. Jude William Genilo, Chair of WUNI-E from the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh, presents the WUNI Executive Committee.

Dr. Jude William Genilo, Chair of WUNI-E from the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh, took center stage to unveil the World University Network of Innovation for Experts (WUNI-E). He first presented to the participants the executive committee officers of WUNI-E and then presented the goals of their organization which were to establish a collaborative platform, learn and share best practices, promote innovative approaches, and advance innovation through measurable outcomes. This network is actually open to administrators, faculty, staff, specialists, consultants, and others in higher education who are passionate about making a societal and industrial impact. Whether one is in academia, research institutions, or even the corporate world, WUNI-E welcomes all who share a commitment to innovation.

Dr. Genilo mentioned that their first action plan is to popularize WUNI-E through the use of posters and social media reels. He provided an example of how their group can enhance its visibility. Their second action plan focuses on communication via WhatsApp, the WUNI-E email group, and the planning stage of their Facebook page. The third plan involves a webinar series discussing the technicalities of the different categories of WURI. With both regular and special members on board—each with equal responsibilities and privileges—WUNI-E is not just a network; it’s a movement! To learn more about WUNI-E, click this link: WUNI-E Information…
https://www. wuri.world/_files/ugd/8e5131_0f216bb5963942bcb4e
9bd7a93a86a10.pdf.

Dr. Genilo proposed a series of webinars to explore the diverse categories and technicalities of the World University Rankings for Innovation.

All three presenters highlighted the crucial role of collaboration among members committed to transforming higher education through ethical leadership and international partnerships.

Dr. Kyung-Sung Kim, Chair and Mr. Sang-Hyun Kim, Vice Chair of the WURI Ranking 2025, extend their heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their engagement in the webinar. They expressed appreciation for the contributions that made the session both insightful and enjoyable. Both of the Chair and Vice Chair hope that the attendees gained valuable insights that will assist them in preparing their university’s innovation cases.

The commitment and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved are crucial as all move forward in their efforts to innovate and enhance higher education. Join us on this exciting journey to reshape the future of education—because together, we can innovate our way to success!

#WUNI-P
#WUNI-L
#WUNI-E
#WURIchampionsinnovation
#GenevieveB.Kupangwritesinnovation

About the Author:

 Genevieve Balance Kupang serves as the International Relations Officer and the Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University. She is a member of the Board of Directors for both the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO) and the World University Network of Innovation for Leaders (WUNI-L).