The role of higher education should be to help build sustainable societies, attendees of the 2023 Tsinghua Higher Education Forum at Beijing's Tsinghua University, said recently.

Under the theme of "Higher Education for Sustainable Development: Global Perspectives and Practices", the forum invited scholars, experts and young talent from universities and educational institutions across the globe to share their experiences and research in the field of higher education.

Wang Xiqin, president of Tsinghua University, said at the opening ceremony on Saturday that education plays a fundamental, strategic and leading role in the development and progress of civilization, with higher education at the forefront.

He emphasized that Tsinghua attaches importance on promoting sustainable development, integrating the concept into training, scientific research, social service and campus construction.

"Tsinghua is willing to strengthen exchange and cooperation with universities around the world, share responsibilities, and work together to create higher education for sustainable development," he said.

Anthony Ohemeng-Boama, UNESCO assistant director-general, said in a video speech that a higher education framework should be established that aligns with labor demands, to alleviate educational disparities, enhance academic mobility, and leverage technological advancements to reshape the global educational landscape.

The forum also included several separate sessions to discuss subjects like engineering education for the future, building world-class universities for sustainable development, and youth perspectives and actions for promoting education on sustainable development.