Ajman University Chancellor Joins Global Leaders at QS Back to School Summit in New York

Dr. Karim took part in two sessions on artificial intelligence in higher education during the QS Back to School Summit in New York, joining institutional leaders and panelists from around the world to discuss how AI is reshaping the future of universities.

Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University (AU), took part in two high-profile sessions on artificial intelligence in higher education at the QS Back to School Summit, held September 15–17, 2026, in New York City — a gathering that has brought together the world's most influential voices in education, government, business, and technology for 25 years.

AU was invited to participate in two sessions on September 17, both centered on how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education.

The first, a closed-door workshop titled “The Orchestrated University”, brought together institutional leaders to examine how universities must shift from producing knowledge to orchestrating it, combining human expertise with AI capability to drive greater impact. Discussions covered what this transformation means for institutional strategy, teaching, research, and leadership, and ultimately, the future value of the university itself.

The second, a public panel titled “If AI Has the Answers, What Should We Teach?”, explored what students should be learning now that AI puts knowledge and increasingly capable tools within instant reach. Panelists discussed critical thinking, responsible AI use, creativity, and real-world problem solving, and how universities can ensure AI strengthens rather than replaces the thinking students need to build.

The two sessions were closely linked: while the panel focused on the classroom, the workshop focused on the institution behind it, giving Dr. Seghir the opportunity to speak to both dimensions of AI's impact on higher education.

“AI is not something universities can afford to observe from the sidelines — it has to be built into how we teach, how we research, and how we prepare students for what comes next,” said Dr. Seghir. “Being part of these conversations in New York reaffirms that AU is thinking seriously about that future, not just reacting to it.”

At Ajman University, Dr. Seghir's participation in the summit reflects the institution's ongoing engagement with the global conversation shaping the future of higher education, as universities worldwide navigate how best to prepare students, faculty, and research for an AI-enabled world.

QS Back to School Summit is an annual gathering of leaders in higher education, business, government, investment, and technology, convened to examine the forces transforming society and the global economy.