Vice-Chancellor urges action to rebuild trust in universities

In a keynote address at the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater called on universities to lead with integrity and purpose in a time of rising complexity and uncertainty.

Speaking to delegates from around the world, she explored the growing pressures on higher education leaders – from geopolitical tensions and demographic shifts to technological disruption and the erosion of public trust in institutions.

“I am loath to say it, but it is not inevitable that truth will win out over lies where scientific disinformation is concerned,” said Professor Freshwater.

“Yet I truly believe that higher education, which includes research, is the way out of the post-truth crisis, and it is the job of universities and university leaders, and our national and regional education systems to claim this role. And to lead through moral courage.”

She also raised concerns about declining trust in academic institutions.

“Trust in higher education is also being eroded and is in urgent need of repair. To do this, we must consider why this has happened. Why are we now facing a trust deficit and challenges to our institutional legitimacy?

“We are not alone in experiencing this loss of trust. Public trust in institutions, including universities, has declined.

“Our relentless pursuit of truth and our ability to create and maintain trust are key to education's way out of the post-truth crisis.”

Held from 16-19 June in Türkiye, the Global Sustainable Development Congress brought together leaders, researchers and changemakers to explore how to accelerate progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

The University took a leading role as a regional co-host, with a delegation that included Professor Freshwater, Deputy Dean of the Business School Andrew Patterson, Professor Niki Harré from the Faculty of Science and doctoral student William Sheard.

The University’s exhibit was a 3D-printed replica of the entrance to Tāne-nui-a-rangi, the meeting house at Waipapa Marae. Designed to reflect the University’s identity and values, it was blessed at the start of the Congress and helped set the tone for a week focused on connection, learning and shared purpose.

Professor Freshwater also moderated a panel on the role of higher education in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on the gap between strategy and implementation, and the need for greater accountability across the sector.

Professor Niki Harré, head of the School of Psychology, spoke on a panel about preparing future generations to thrive in a sustainable economy. The session explored how universities can embed climate literacy and sustainability mindsets into education, and how experiential learning can help build the resilience and adaptability needed in an uncertain future.

Andrew Patterson, Deputy Dean of the Business School, joined a panel on harnessing research and innovation to tackle urgent global energy challenges. The discussion covered the importance of transdisciplinary research, the role of universities in enabling honest and inclusive dialogue, and the importance of educating future leaders in the right way.

“This Congress is so important in bringing a diversity of people together. The conversations are real (as are the challenges) and robust. And you can feel a sense of urgency for action over rhetoric,” said Patterson.