MAHE Dubai Hosts Landmark Global Symposium

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai recently hosted a landmark symposium titled “Academic Responsibility in a Fragmented World”, in partnership with the World Health Summit (WHS) and The Lancet. The event brought together leading figures from global health, academia, industry, and regional stakeholders to discuss how universities can serve as catalysts for social good.

MAHE Dubai became the first campus in the GCC region to convene this global academic dialogue in collaboration with the World Health Summit. Speaking on the significance of hosting the symposium, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said:

"The theme of academic responsibility in a fragmented world aligns deeply with our founding vision. Manipal Academy of Higher Education was established to meet societal needs. Nearly 70–80 years ago, Late Dr. T.M.A. Pai emphasized empowering society through quality education, healthcare, economic development, and gender equity. We are not just a university aiming to serve society—we were founded on that very mission. This year marks the Silver Jubilee of MAHE Dubai, and with our vibrant campus hosting students from across the globe, it felt fitting to host this landmark event here."

In line with its commitment to public health, MAHE Dubai announced plans to launch a four-year Bachelor of Public Health program beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. The program is designed to address the growing regional demand for trained public health professionals and equip graduates with a deep understanding of the social, environmental, and systemic factors shaping health outcomes.

The symposium featured two keynote addresses and a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Degree: Redefining Academia as a Catalyst for Social Good.” Discussions focused on translating research into tangible social impact, bridging the gap between knowledge and policy, and fostering collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector.

Moderated by Dr. Cherian Varghese, Professor and Head of the Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE India, the panel included distinguished experts such as Dr. Sabine Kleinert, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet; Prof. Adnan Hyder, Dean of the School of Public Health at Boston University, USA; Dr. Elizabeth Molloy, Deputy Dean of Education at the University of Melbourne, Australia; Dr. Ali Jafarian, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran; and Dr. Carlo Kaabar, Chief Medical Officer, PureLab, UAE.

Dr. Kleinert emphasized the need for academia to redefine success: "Publications alone should not measure achievement. Universities must focus on real-world impact. Scientists must advocate for change, and engaging policymakers is very different from publishing papers—this is a skill we must teach."

Dr. Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Academic responsibility requires continuous engagement with society. Research must reflect societal needs, and scientific outcomes should foster dialogue and trust. Lasting impact can only come from collaboration across academia, industry, policy, and civil society.”

Prof. Adnan Hyder added: "Universities owe a responsibility to the communities they serve. Knowledge must be applied to improve lives through policy, regulations, and community practices. Equally, we must recognize that valuable knowledge originates in communities as well."

Dr. Ilona Kickbusch, Council Chair of the World Health Summit, stressed the need for stronger dialogue between academia and policymakers: "Universities must prepare graduates not only with high-quality education but with an understanding of their discipline’s social responsibility. Social impact requires dialogue, not unilateral decision-making by academia."

The symposium marked a significant step in positioning MAHE Dubai as a hub for global academic engagement, public health innovation, and social impact in the region.