Universities South Africa (USAf) has unveiled “Co‑creating a Resilient Future” as the theme for its 2026 Higher Education Conference, setting a forward‑looking agenda for a sector navigating rapid change and intensifying national demands.
The conference will take place between 7 and 9 October at the CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria.
Announced on 1 September, the theme reflects a growing recognition that South African universities must rethink how they operate, collaborate and innovate to remain central to the country’s development.
The theme emerged from deliberations by USAf’s Conference Advisory Committee, which emphasised the need for institutions to adapt to complex societal, economic, technological and environmental pressures. It signals a shift towards shared responsibility and collective problem‑solving across the higher education ecosystem.
At its core, the theme underscores co‑creation, the idea that universities cannot confront contemporary challenges alone. Instead, USAf argues that meaningful partnerships between institutions, government, industry, communities, civil society and international collaborators are essential to building resilient systems capable of withstanding disruption and driving transformation.
The 2026 conference will encourage stakeholders to interrogate the evolving role of universities in South Africa and globally. Delegates will be invited to rethink traditional approaches to governance, knowledge production, student success, research impact and institutional sustainability.
A wide range of interconnected sub‑themes will anchor the programme, including governance and accountability, academic innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, equity and inclusion, institutional resilience and sustainable funding models. The conference will also explore how universities can strengthen their role as catalysts for social justice, economic development and the public good.
USAf’s Director of Operations and Support, Mahlubi Mabizela, said the theme reflects an important shift in how the sector must respond to complexity.
“The challenges facing higher education today are interconnected. Building resilient universities requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. Through this conference, we aim to create a space for meaningful dialogue, innovative thinking and practical solutions that will enable our institutions to thrive while contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society,” he said.
Key discussions will focus on creating adaptive institutions capable of responding to crises, fostering visionary leadership, strengthening public trust and ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed for an unpredictable future.
The conference will also highlight research that delivers tangible societal benefits and supports national priorities, with particular attention to interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches.
By placing collaboration at the centre of its agenda, the 2026 USAf Higher Education Conference aims to position universities as both leaders and partners in shaping a resilient, future‑ready higher education system.
Scan to Register
©Higher Education Media Services.