West LA Times

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Vice Provost Cindy Fan recently participated in the U7+ Alliance of World Universities meeting in Milan, Italy. The alliance, consisting of over 80 university leaders from 18 countries, adopted the 2024 U7+ Statement on Global Access to Higher Education.

According to the U7+ Alliance of World Universities, the statement encourages the G7 to collaborate with the alliance to develop high-quality, inclusive education systems from primary through higher education. It also calls for support in investment in higher education in low- and middle-income countries, providing funding for students from marginalized communities, and prioritizing visas for students and scholars in need.

The U7+ Alliance, formed in 2019, aims to address global challenges through collaboration among university presidents worldwide. UCLA's recent membership in the alliance aligns with its strategic goal of expanding global reach and impact.

The University of Toronto chairs the Presidential Steering Committee of the U7+ Alliance, which includes prestigious institutions such as Bocconi University, Georgetown University, and the University of Toronto, among others. Northwestern University serves as the home to the Alliance Secretariat.

The G7, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union, are urged to partner with the U7+ Alliance to enhance access to higher education globally.

The U7+ Alliance's commitment to fostering inclusive education and supporting students from all backgrounds underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges in higher education.