Explore the Best Cities for Students in 2026

QS has announced the Best Student Cities Ranking for 2026.

LONDON, July 15, 2025 — Seoul has been named the world’s best study destination, according to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, ending London’s six-year reign at the top. Seoul has moved up two spots, reflecting its strong international appeal and an outstanding selection of universities. London has dropped to third place due to a decrease in its Affordability rating.

QS has ranked 150 cities across 58 countries and territories. The US and UK have the most representation, with 16 cities each. Vienna enters the top 10, while Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th) make it into the top 20.

Ju-Ho Lee, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of the Republic of Korea stated, “We are proud that Seoul has been recognized as the best student city in the world. This achievement reflects the global confidence in Korea’s higher education system. It showcases Seoul’s ability to combine academic excellence with a vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.”

Global Highlights

  • In the UK, only Nottingham (49th) and Leeds (51st) have seen improvements. The UK excels in Desirability but faces challenges with Affordability.
  • Among all ranked US cities, only Boston (15th) has improved; however, US cities continue to struggle with Student Mix and Desirability.
  • All four Canadian cities have dropped in rankings, but they all remain in the top 100, led by Montreal (18th).
  • Melbourne and Sydney continue to rank in the top 10, reinforcing Australia’s status as one of the world’s premier study destinations.
  • Tokyo ranks second globally and leads in Employer Activity.
  • Beijing achieves its highest position ever at 13th, leading all eight ranked cities in Mainland China.
  • Mumbai, India, has entered the top 100 at 98th place, thanks to its strong performance in Affordability (11th) and Employer Activity (37th).
  • Germany and Australia are the only countries with two cities in the top 10; both Munich and Berlin are highly regarded by students and graduates who have studied and lived there.
  • Paris maintains its 7th place and stands out as the European leader in the QS World University Rankings indicator, reflecting its exceptional universities.
  • Madrid has entered the Top 30, while Milan and Rome are now in the Top 50.
  • Amman ranks as the highest city in the Arab Region, at 64th, marking an impressive 19-place rise year-on-year. Cairo leads in Africa, ranking 71st.
  • Buenos Aires tops the Latin America rankings, placing 32nd and improving by 10 spots, followed by Santiago at 50th.

QS BEST STUDENT CITIES 2026

RANK – CITY – COUNTRY

  1. Seoul – South Korea
  2. Tokyo – Japan
  3. London – United Kingdom
  4. Munich – Germany
  5. Melbourne – Australia
  6. Sydney – Australia
  7. Berlin – Germany
  8. Paris – France
  9. Zurich – Switzerland
  10. Vienna – Austria
  11. Singapore – Singapore
  12. Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
  13. Beijing – China (Mainland)
  14. Taipei – Taiwan
  15. Boston – United States
  16. Edinburgh – United Kingdom
  17. Hong Kong SAR – Hong Kong SAR
  18. Kyoto – Japan
  19. Montreal – Canada
  20. Amsterdam – Netherlands
  21. Lausanne – Switzerland
  22. Toronto – Canada
  23. New York – United States
  24. Stockholm – Sweden
  25. Auckland – New Zealand
  26. Brisbane – Australia
  27. Shanghai – China (Mainland)
  28. Madrid – Spain
  29. Prague – Czech Republic
  30. Vancouver – Canada
  31. Adelaide – Australia
  32. Buenos Aires – Argentina
  33. Leuven – Belgium
  34. Copenhagen – Denmark
  35. Barcelona – Spain
  36. Glasgow – United Kingdom
  37. Perth – Australia
  38. Canberra – Australia
  39. Dublin – Ireland
  40. Manchester – United Kingdom
  41. Newcastle Upon Tyne – United Kingdom
  42. San Francisco – United States
  43. Los Angeles – United States
  44. Milan – Italy
  45. Coventry – United Kingdom
  46. Rome – Italy
  47. Bristol – United Kingdom
  48. Chicago – United States
  49. Nottingham – United Kingdom
  50. Santiago – Chile
  51. Leeds – United Kingdom
  52. Gothenburg – Sweden
  53. Brussels – Belgium
  54. Lyon – France
  55. Bangkok – Thailand
  56. Warsaw – Poland
  57. Brno – Czech Republic
  58. Lisbon – Portugal
  59. Birmingham – United Kingdom
  60. Helsinki – Finland
  61. Istanbul – Türkiye
  62. Liverpool – United Kingdom
  63. Osaka – Japan
  64. Amman – Jordan
  65. Belfast – United Kingdom
  66. Turin – Italy
  67. Sheffield – United Kingdom
  68. Budapest – Hungary
  69. Nanjing – China (Mainland)
  70. Philadelphia – United States
  71. Cairo – Egypt
  72. Hsinchu – Taiwan
  73. Mexico City – Mexico
  74. Washington DC – United States
  75. Dubai – United Arab Emirates
  76. Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
  77. Cape Town – South Africa
  78. Oslo – Norway
  79. Ankara – Türkiye
  80. Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
  81. Atlanta – United States
  82. Ottawa – Canada
  83. Valencia – Spain
  84. Riyadh – Saudi Arabia
  85. Doha – Qatar
  86. Aberdeen – United Kingdom
  87. San Diego – United States
  88. Manila – Philippines
  89. Pittsburgh – United States
  90. Wuhan – China (Mainland)
  91. Almaty – Kazakhstan
  92. Brighton – United Kingdom
  93. Tainan – Taiwan
  94. Christchurch – New Zealand
  95. Gold Coast – Australia
  96. Seattle – United States
  97. Beirut – Lebanon
  98. Mumbai – India
  99. Bogota – Colombia
  100. Johannesburg – South Africa
  101. Sao Paulo – Brazil
  102. Athens – Greece
  103. Baltimore – United States
  104. Delhi – India
  105. Riga – Latvia
  106. Toulouse – France
  107. Al-Ain – United Arab Emirates
  108. Bangalore – India
  109. Graz – Austria
  110. Krakow – Poland
  111. Monterrey – Mexico
  112. Nagoya – Japan
  113. Taichung – Taiwan
  114. Houston – United States
  115. Vilnius – Lithuania
  116. Jakarta – Indonesia
  117. Baku – Azerbaijan
  118. Busan – South Korea
  119. Guangzhou – China (Mainland)
  120. Stuttgart – Germany
  121. Yogyakarta – Indonesia
  122. Jeddah – Saudi Arabia
  123. Bandung – Indonesia
  124. Xi’an – China (Mainland)
  125. Leicester – United Kingdom
  126. Miami – United States
  127. Astana – Kazakhstan
  128. Chennai – India
  129. Tallinn – Estonia
  130. Taoyuan District – Taiwan
  131. Daegu – South Korea
  132. Tianjin – China (Mainland)
  133. Pretoria – South Africa
  134. Macau – Macau SAR
  135. Lima – Peru
  136. Dhaka – Bangladesh
  137. Montpellier – France
  138. Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan
  139. Tel Aviv-Yafo – Israel
  140. Wroclaw – Poland
  141. Izmir – Türkiye
  142. Kaunas – Lithuania
  143. Surabaya – Indonesia
  144. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
  145. Shah Alam – Malaysia
  146. Chengdu – China (Mainland)
  147. Dallas – United States
  148. Cluj-Napoca – Romania
  149. Durham – United States
  150. Irbid – Jordan

The QS Best Student Cities ranking highlights the top urban destinations for international students based on a diverse range of indicators divided into six main categories.

To be eligible for inclusion, each city must have a population of over 250,000 and host at least two universities that are featured in the most recent QS World University Rankings. Whenever possible, population metrics are based on the metropolitan area.

The six main categories considered are:

  • University Rankings
  • Student Mix
  • Desirability
  • Employer Activity
  • Affordability
  • Student views


Source: QS

Apply Now: Sustainable Governance Course for University Leaders

Call for applications for the third cohort of the course ‘Sustainable University Leadership and Governance: Advancing the 2030 Agenda’.

This initiative targets university Vice-Chancellors and governance teams to drive strategic change for sustainability.

Paris, France, June 10, 2025 — In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC) has announced the call for applications for the third cohort of the international course titled “Sustainable University Leadership and Governance: Towards the 2030 Agenda.” This initiative is designed for university Vice-Chancellors and governance teams who are interested in driving a strategic transformation toward sustainability.

Universities not only generate knowledge, but they also lead, inspire, and mobilize entire communities. In this context, the course aims to strengthen institutional leadership capacities to integrate sustainability as a central aspect of university development.

A transformative experience for driving change

Throughout the course, participating teams will:

  • Explore models for incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into institutional strategic plans.
  • Engage in discussions with international experts in sustainability, governance, and change management.
  • Conduct an institutional self-assessment focusing on teaching, research, governance, and social engagement.
  • With specialized mentoring, design an Institutional Implementation Plan (IIP) and a Sustainability Roadmap.
  • Participants will receive personalized monitoring for six months to support implementation and assess impact in 2025.
  • Participants will join the Vice-Chancellors’ Network for Sustainability to share experiences and best practices and build alliances within their region.

Course structure

  • In-Person Start: September 2025, in Bogotá, Colombia. This phase includes three days of face-to-face workshops, visits to universities, and the signing of the Institutional Commitment to Sustainability.
  • Virtual Training: Eight weeks of training will be provided, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous sessions for Vice-Chancellors and two members of the institutional team.
  • Mentoring Period: A six-month mentoring program will follow, aimed at implementing and monitoring the progress of the institutional plan, as well as evaluating its actual impact.

Course objectives

  • Guide government teams in understanding the opportunities presented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and develop a roadmap aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
  • Provide tools to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in teaching, research, institutional management, and outreach initiatives.
  • Incorporate the principles of sustainability into university culture and governance.
  • Explore conceptual frameworks and analyze best practices of universities in the region.
  • Foster alliances, cooperation, and peer learning.
  • Design and implement an institutional plan with specific and measurable goals.

Why participate?

As awareness of the crucial role universities play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continues to grow, effective practical implementation often falls short. This course presents a unique and concrete opportunity to bridge the gap between commitment and action. Participants will explore innovative strategies and collaborative approaches to steer higher education institutions toward fostering a more sustainable future, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Participants receive the final certification, which carries UNESCO recognition.

The Course Starts in September 2025 in Bogota, Colombia.

Source: UNESCO

— The editor of CitiTimes is a UNESCO-IIEP-certified higher education consultant.

AI in Education: UNESCO’s Vision for 2025

  • UNESCO dedicates the International Day of Education 2025 to focus on Artificial Intelligence.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has declared that UNESCO has dedicated International Education Day 2025 (Friday, January 24) to exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence. She has called upon the Member States of UNESCO to prioritize investments in training for educators and students regarding the responsible application of this technology in education.

“AI offers major opportunities for education, provided that clear ethical principles guide its deployment in schools. To reach its full potential, this technology must complement the human and social dimensions of learning rather than replace them. It must become a tool at the service of teachers and pupils, with the primary objective being their autonomy and well-being.” — Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General.

In 2025, UNESCO will dedicate the International Day of Education to the discourse on artificial intelligence, aiming to facilitate a global conversation regarding integrating this technology within educational frameworks. The organization has organized conferences in Paris and New York and a webinar to engage stakeholders in this critical dialogue.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into the field of education. In high-income countries, more than two-thirds of secondary school students utilize generative AI tools to assist with their academic assignments. Educators are increasingly adopting AI technologies to facilitate lesson preparation and assess student performance. Furthermore, the school guidance and admissions processes, traditionally overseen by educators and experts, are increasingly influenced by AI systems.

Education professionals face a significant gap in clear guidelines for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in educational environments. According to a survey conducted by UNESCO in May 2023, encompassing 450 institutions, only 10% of schools and universities have established an official framework for integrating AI.

As of 2022, a mere seven countries had devised AI frameworks or programs directed at educators, while only 15 incorporated objectives related to AI training within their national curricula. Concurrently, many countries are enacting restrictions on using new technologies in classrooms. Recent data from UNESCO indicates that nearly 40% of countries have implemented laws or policies prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools, a notable increase from 24% reported in July 2023.

In education, UNESCO published the inaugural Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research in September 2023. Furthermore, in 2024, the organization introduced two competency frameworks for artificial intelligence for students and educators. These frameworks address the potential advantages and associated risks of AI technology. These publications represent a concerted effort to foster artificial intelligence’s ethical, inclusive, and responsible application.

  • UNESCO also points out that the resources governments allocate towards AI must be in addition to, and not divert from, the financial resources already committed to education.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) comprises 194 member states. It fosters peace and security through multilateral cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO maintains offices in 54 countries and employs over 2,300 professionals. The organization is responsible for the oversight of more than 2,000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. Furthermore, UNESCO facilitates networks for Creative Cities, Learning Cities, Inclusive Cities, and Sustainable Cities and manages more than 13,000 affiliated schools, university chairs, training institutions, and research entities.

WIPO Global Awards 2025: Applications Now Open

  • Applications are now open for the WIPO Global Awards 2025 competition, inviting submissions from small businesses, startups, and university spin-offs.
  • The Awards are open to applicants worldwide and across all business activities. They aim to recognize the effective use of intellectual property for business growth and social impact.
  • This year, special mentions will be given to outstanding women and youth entrepreneurs selected from the winning companies.
  • Winners will receive mentoring to enhance their intellectual property strategies, fundraising support, partnership opportunities, and publicity.

Geneva, Switzerland, January 19, 2025 — The WIPO Global Awards 2025 competition has opened applications for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and university spinouts that utilize intellectual property (IP) to stimulate economic growth and enhance societal well-being.

Launched in 2022, the Global Awards recognize enterprises that utilize intellectual property (IP) for business success and as an economic and social impact driver. Winners receive exclusive mentoring to help them enhance their use of IP as a strategic asset. It includes support in commercialization, fundraising, partnership building, publicity, and more.

The WIPO Global Awards 2025 now accepts applications from startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), university spinouts, and smaller businesses across various sectors, including health, environment, creativity, agrifood, and information and communication technology (ICT). The application period will close on March 31, 2025.

An independent jury of experts will select ten winning enterprises, and these winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at the WIPO Assemblies in July 2025, held at WIPO’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This year, special recognition will be awarded to those winners who women and youth entrepreneurs lead.

The WIPO Global Awards showcase how intellectual property empowers companies to bring great products to the market while tackling local and global challenges and improving lives. In 2025, we’re proud to deepen our commitment to inclusivity and innovation by recognizing outstanding women and youth entrepreneurs among the winners as part of the competition. These new special mentions reflect WIPO’s vision for a future where everyone benefits from IP-driven solutions everywhere. Please apply and join the global movement of WIPO Global Award change-makers.

— WIPO Director General Daren Tang

The Awards aim to promote the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) assets by recognizing outstanding inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs who effectively leverage IP to achieve their business objectives, generate revenue, create employment opportunities, address local and global challenges, and foster community and national development.

Companies worldwide are invited to submit their applications by March 31, 2025. The application form is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to advancing global innovators and creators. Its primary objective is to ensure that intellectual property (IP) is effectively transported to market, thereby enhancing the quality of life globally.

WIPO accomplishes this objective by offering comprehensive services that empower creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to safeguard and promote their intellectual property across international boundaries. Furthermore, WIPO is a forum for discussing emerging and relevant IP issues. The organization’s extensive IP data and information serve to inform decision-makers worldwide. In addition, its project initiatives and technical assistance efforts are designed to ensure that intellectual property advantages are accessible to all individuals, irrespective of their geographic location.

Source: WIPO

— Surender Hastir is an alumnus of WIPO Academy, Geneva, Switzerland.

Countdown to 2025: Live Performances in Times Square

New Year’s Eve organizers in Times Square, New York City, have revealed the official event lineup.

Rita Ora, Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Megan Moroney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, TLC, Greeicy, De La Ghetto, and Kapo will perform live in Times Square for the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration.

NEW YORK, December 30, 2024 – The Times Square Alliance, One Times Square, and Countdown Entertainment, the co-organizers of Times Square New Year’s Eve, have announced the official event lineup for this year’s celebration. The lineup will feature live performances by Mark Ambor, Mickey Guyton, Rita Ora, Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, Megan Moroney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, TLC, Greeicy, De La Ghetto, and Kapo. In addition to these performances, there will be various special activities and appearances throughout the evening.

The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET with the lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. Following this, the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) will present a spectacular Chinese cultural performance titled “A Spring Festival Celebration.” In 2024, the Chinese Spring Festival, which marks the beginning of the new year on the Chinese calendar, was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This performance will showcase Chinese flag dancing, opera, and a blend of modern and traditional music and dance to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Jonathan Bennett, a well-known actor and TV personality, returns as the host for the evening. He is the co-creator of the Hallmark+ reality series “Finding Mr. Christmas” and the star and Executive Producer of the Hallmark holiday film “The Holiday Sitter.” Bennett is famous for his role in “Mean Girls” and as the host of Food Network shows like “Cake Wars.”

He will be joined by Jeremy Hassell, an experienced live event and celebrity interview host, who has been co-hosting the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration since 2016.

Following are the Countdown Stages for the Times Square 2025 Live Performance:

  • Mark Ambor performs his hit songs “Belong Together,” “Good to Be,” and “Our Way.”
  • Mickey Guyton performs her hit songs, “My Side of the Country,” “House on Fire,” “All American,” and the unique Times Square New Year’s Eve tradition of singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” moments before midnight.
  • Rita Ora performs on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • Jonas Brothers perform on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • Megan Moroney performs on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • TLC performs on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • Carrie Underwood performs on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
  • Greeicy performs on Univision’s ¡Feliz 2025!
  • De La Ghetto performs on Univision’s ¡Feliz 2025!
  • Kapo performs on Univision’s ¡Feliz 2025!
  • The Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) will present a cultural performance titled “A Spring Festival Celebration.”
  • AGNEW, a New York dance group, will perform for the revelers
  • Triad Brass, New York City’s 5-piece brass band featuring Grammy Award winner Jonathan Arons.

In addition to the performances, the evening will feature many more memorable moments, including:

The Associated Press, the world’s oldest and largest news-gathering organization, will present its year-in-review newsreel featuring some of the most memorable events of 2024.

Thanks to Live X, people worldwide will have the chance to experience the excitement of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration through a six-hour live webcast free of commercials. The webcast will showcase all the festivities, including musical performances by Mark Ambor and Mickey Guyton.

The 16th annual webcast will cover the action and festivities in Times Square, beginning with the Ball Raising at 6 p.m. EST. It will also feature live musical performances, hourly countdowns, behind-the-scenes stories, and star-studded interviews as anticipation builds toward the midnight countdown and the famous Ball Drop.

The highly anticipated festivities will feature an immersive virtual experience from One Times Square, the home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Celebration. Through the VNYE website, people worldwide can livestream the celebrations in Times Square.

For more than 120 years, Times Square has stood as a vibrant beacon of global excitement on New Year’s Eve. This remarkable tradition originated in 1904 when the owners of One Times Square hosted festive rooftop celebrations to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with joy and hope. The inaugural Ball Drop celebration occurred in 1907, marking the beginning of an iconic ritual. Since then, the dazzling descent of the illuminated ball has become a cherished symbol of renewal and a universal expression of celebration as millions gather to watch the clock strike midnight, ushering in a fresh start amid cheers and fireworks.

Source: Times Square

Season’s Greetings: Joy and Prosperity Ahead

Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for the Coming Year!

Season’s Greetings to you and your esteemed associates. As we approach the new year, I extend my sincerest wishes for joy, prosperity, and success in all your pursuits. May the forthcoming year be abundant with remarkable opportunities and treasured moments.

UNESCO Appoints Pharrell Williams as Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education

UNESCO has appointed Pharrell Williams as its Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship.

Paris, December 19, 2024 — On Tuesday, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, appointed Pharrell Williams as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship during a ceremony at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Renowned as an Academy Award-nominated musician and innovative filmmaker, this talented individual is a dedicated philanthropist and currently serves as the Men’s Creative Director for the prestigious fashion house Louis Vuitton. With an impressive record of 13 Grammy Awards, he is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. Since his debut in 2006, his work has garnered billions of streams globally, captivating audiences with infectious hits like “Happy” and “Get Lucky.” His remarkable collaborations with some of the world’s most renowned artists further demonstrate his versatility and artistry, allowing his music to connect with listeners across every continent.

In June 2024, Pharrell Williams selected the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris as the venue for his fourth fashion show as Men’s Creative Director of Louis Vuitton, entitled “The World is Yours.” The American artist emphasized themes of universalism and diversity, with the event featuring the display of the 194 flags representing UNESCO’s Member States.

“Pharrell Williams is a talented artist and a dedicated humanist who strives to use culture to promote peace and unite people. He believes in the transformative power of creativity and education to create a better future. His values align with UNESCO’s mission. I am pleased to announce that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our efforts,” remarked UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

“I am deeply honored to be selected by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador. It is challenging to convey the extent of my gratitude for this opportunity. I extend my sincere thanks to Director-General Audrey Azoulay. I look forward to advancing our mission to provide equitable opportunities for children and adults through education, in collaboration with YELLOW and Black Ambition,” Pharrell Williams responded.

To celebrate his nomination, Pharrell Williams addressed 800 secondary school students and fashion, music, and film students at UNESCO Headquarters during a screening of his biopic, “Piece by Piece.”

As part of Audrey Azoulay’s roadmap, Pharrell Williams will represent UNESCO at major international cultural events and support the Organization’s educational and cultural programs worldwide.

As a Goodwill Ambassador, he will serve as a mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO actively promotes the development of cultural industries.

Source: UNESCO

Gukesh Becomes Youngest Chess World Champion

Gukesh, demonstrating remarkable determination, has achieved his lifelong aspiration by becoming the youngest world chess champion.

SINGAPORE, December 12, 2024 — Indian prodigy Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has attained the status of the 18th undisputed world champion following the unexpected collapse of Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren (32) in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Gukesh emerged victorious with a score of 7.5 to 6.5, despite Ding having what appeared to be a risk-free opportunity to secure a win. Instead, Ding opted to liquidate into a pawn-down endgame. This position should have resulted in a draw; however, due to mounting pressure, Ding made a critical blunder.

Building on the remarkable legacy of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has become only the second Indian to win the prestigious title. He follows in the footsteps of the iconic player, who held the crown five times throughout his career.

Anand has played a vital role in shaping Gukesh’s chess skills at his renowned chess academy in Chennai. He has offered guidance, support, and valuable insights that have greatly influenced Gukesh’s development as a young player.

University of Toronto Tops QS World Sustainability Rankings 2025

QS Quacquarelli Symonds, experts in global higher education, released the third edition of the QS World Sustainability Rankings 2025, featuring over 1,740 universities from 107 locations.

The University of Toronto has been confirmed as the world’s top institution, followed by ETH Zurich in second place.

Professor Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto, stated, “We are thrilled that our university is once again ranked first in the QS Sustainability Rankings, reinforcing our commitment to leading the way toward a sustainable future.”

QS (Sustainability) Top 10

  1. University of Toronto, Canada
  2. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  3. Lund University, Sweden
  4. University of California, Berkeley, USA
  5. UCL, UK
  6. University of British Columbia, Canada
  7. Imperial College London, UK
  8. The University of Edinburgh, UK
  9. The University of Manchester, UK
  10. The University of Melbourne, Australia

Seven African universities have been ranked within the top 500, with the University of Cape Town achieving the highest position in the region at 45th place. Cairo University is ranked 370th.

Australia is represented by 14 universities in the top 100, with the University of Melbourne holding steady at ninth place. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is the sole Australian institution to have ascended in the rankings.

Six universities from four different countries are included in the top 100 within Asia. The University of Tokyo is the highest-ranked university at 44th. Mainland China has 114 ranked universities, with Fudan University being the foremost at 133rd. India follows with 78 ranked universities, led by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, positioned at 171st.

The United States leads in institutional representation, with 239 ranked universities. The University of California, Berkeley, shares third place.

The United Kingdom has 26 universities in the top 100 globally and more top 10 universities than any other nation.

ETH Zurich ranks as the top European university, advancing to second overall.

The University of Toronto maintains its status as the world’s foremost university. Canada is distinguished by having two institutions within the top five, a higher count than any other nation or territory.

Despite holding the second-largest number of entries, no university from Mainland China appears in the top 100.

Swedish universities have made noteworthy advancements, with one institution rising from eighth to a joint third position, attributable to enhancements in Environmental Education.

New Zealand ranks all eight universities in the top 500, achieving the highest average score. The University of Auckland leads this group, ranking 17th globally.

Source: QS

UNESCO Report on Addressing Gender Violence in Universities

UNESCO is preparing to publish an extensive report that will critically examine the prevalence of gender-based violence within higher education institutions. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing efforts to address this critical issue.

The International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women was observed globally on November 25, 2024.

Each year on November 25, the global community meets to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW). This day is dedicated to raising awareness regarding this critical issue and serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges women and girls face worldwide. Additionally, it provides a platform for advocating for systemic change and mobilizing action to address and eliminate violence against women.

According to the United Nations, violence impacts women from all cultures, economic backgrounds, and age groups. It takes various forms, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. Each of these types of violence causes harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, often at the hands of an intimate partner.

The United Nations acknowledges that violence against women (VAW) is a violation of fundamental human rights and hinders social and economic development worldwide. To eliminate this issue, collective action is crucial, as emphasized by the observance of November 25. This day serves as a call for solidarity and coordinated efforts to end violence against women and girls, promoting a global movement towards a more just and equitable world for everyone.

The United Nations emphasizes that raising awareness is the first step in creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and harm. It is essential for individuals, communities, and institutions to comprehend the extent and impact of violence against women (VAW) and to actively challenge the social and cultural norms that support it.

According to UNESCO, higher education institutions (HEIs) are not exempt from incidents of violence against women (VAW). Such violence occurs within these environments, affecting students, staff, and faculty. It is crucial to comprehend the unique dynamics of VAW in HEIs to foster safer and more inclusive campuses for everyone.

Universities and academic institutions have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women (VAW), challenge harmful norms, and provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful change. In addition to educating students and staff on VAW-related issues, higher education institutions can influence policy change by contributing necessary research. This, in turn, helps create a society where VAW is no longer tolerated.

UNESCO emphasizes the importance of involving higher education in addressing violence against women to create long-term, systemic solutions.

UNESCO will soon release a comprehensive report in support of ongoing efforts to combat violence against women (VAW). This report will examine the experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in selected countries. Its purpose is to provide a deeper understanding of the nature and scope of GBV within the unique context of higher education.

The survey results will highlight the specific challenges faced by the academic community and investigate the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV), the barriers to addressing it, and the existing frameworks designed to combat it. The final report, scheduled for publication next year, will provide data-driven insights essential for:
– Policymakers.
– Higher education institutions (HEIs).
– Activists.
– Communities working to address GBV in educational settings.

Source: UNESCO