Professor (Dr) Anoop Swarup
MSc, MS, MBA, PhD, PSC, FZSI, FAB, FWBI, FRSA, FOE
Secretary General, AUAP
38th AUAP Annual Conference
Theme: Shaping Education and Leadership in the Age of AI
Date: May 19–21, 2026 | Venue: John von Neumann University, Kecskemét, Hungary
It is with immense pride and heartfelt pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all distinguished delegates, university leaders, scholars, and students gathered here for the 38th Annual Conference of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), graciously hosted by John von Neumann University in the vibrant city of Kecskemét, Hungary.
We convene at a pivotal moment in history—an era increasingly defined by the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). No longer a mere computational tool, AI is reshaping the very foundations of education, leadership, and human interaction. It challenges us to rethink not only what we teach, but how we teach—and more importantly, why.
Our mission is not to compete with AI, but to guide, govern, and ethically harness its potential. This calls for thoughtful reflection on critical questions:
- What roles should AI fulfill in our institutions and societies?
- How do we ensure its outputs are reliable, transparent, and accountable?
- And how do we preserve the human essence—creativity, empathy, and moral judgment—in an increasingly automated world?
This year’s conference explores four transformative dimensions that will shape our collective future:
- Solution Inventiveness – Crafting innovative responses to global challenges
- Communities as Catalysts for Change – Empowering grassroots movements for impact
- Transformative Systems – Reimagining institutions and governance
- Future Resilience – Building adaptive, inclusive, and thriving societies
As we embark on this journey of dialogue and discovery, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing higher education as a force for good—one that embraces technological progress while upholding the timeless values of human dignity and ethical leadership.
I am confident that the conversations we spark, the collaborations we forge, and the ideas we cultivate during this conference will inspire a new generation of visionary leaders across Asia and the Pacific—and beyond.
Welcome to the 38th AUAP Annual Conference. Together, let us shape the future.
Warm regards,
Anoop Swarup
Let us be the Change!
Professor (Dr) Anoop Swarup
MSc, MS, MBA, PhD, PSC, FZSI, FAB, FWBI, FRSA, FOE
Secretary General,