Seoul, South Korea —
The University of Baguio (UB) made a strong impact at the 2024 WURI Global Conference (WGC24), held from September 24 to 26 at the Finland Tower, ASSIST University campus in Seoul. This prestigious event, which focuses on innovation in higher education, brought together university leaders from across the globe to showcase and discuss advancements in institutional development.
UB, known for its commitment to innovative initiatives, actively participated by presenting successful case studies in student support, Leadership, and resource management. The university’s involvement at WGC24 aligns with its strategic mission of advancing educational solutions on both local and international levels.
Representing the university, Dr. Donnavila Marie B. Panday presented the “UB BIKERS” program (University of Baguio Bolsters and Initiates Knowledge Economy and Resilient Society), emphasizing UB’s contributions to building a knowledge-based and resilient academic community. Ms. Jenelyn M. Magpatoc and Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud-ayen also contributed as discussants and moderators in the Leadership and Funding categories, further highlighting the university’s active role at the conference.
UB’s achievements were acknowledged through several accolades in the WURI (World’s Universities with Real Impact) 2024 rankings. The university was awarded a Global Top 100 Innovative Universities plaque, with specific rankings including:
• 159th overall in the World University Rankings for Innovation 2024, confirming its position as a leader in educational innovation.
• 1st place in Student Support and Engagement, recognizing UB’s outstanding programs to improve student well-being, academic success, and engagement. • 3rd place in Leadership, reflecting the university’s strategic and forward-looking Leadership in driving institutional growth.
• 6th place in Funding, acknowledging UB’s innovative approaches to securing and managing resources in alignment with its mission.
In recognition of their contributions to WURI’s 2024 initiatives, Dr. Panday, Ms. Magpatoc, and Dr. Lud-ayen received a Certificate of Appreciation for their Leadership in developing innovative programs, further enhancing UB’s international reputation.
Moreover, Dr. Panday, Ms. Magpatoc, and Dr. Lud-ayen were appointed to the Board of Directors of World University Network of Innovation -Leaders or WUNI-L reflecting their continued role in advancing global educational innovation.
The WUNI-L Board of Directors has formed six key committees to drive the institution’s strategic direction, focusing on governance, innovation, sustainability, partnerships, academic quality, and student engagement. The Strategic Planning and Governance Committee oversees long-term goals and policies, ensuring alignment with WUNI’s
mission. The Innovation and Research Committee fosters cutting-edge research and collaboration, while the Sustainability and SDG Integration Committee promotes socially and environmentally responsible initiatives. The Partnerships and Internationalization Committee expands WUNI’s global reach by building strategic alliances, and the Academic Quality and Standards Committee ensures academic excellence through rigorous quality assurance. Finally, the Student Engagement and Leadership Committee empowers students to contribute to WUNI’s future through leadership development and collaboration across member institutions.
Ms. Jenelyn M. Magpatoc serves on the Partnerships and Internationalization Committee, where she plays a crucial role in fostering global collaborations and expanding WUNI’s international presence. Dr. Donnavila Marie B. Panday contributes to the Innovation and Research Committee, driving cutting-edge research and cross-institutional projects that promote educational innovation. Dr. Charesma Grace K. Lud ayen is a key member of the Academic Quality and Standards Committee, ensuring the maintenance of high academic standards and the development of collaborative programs across WUNI’s member institutions. Together, their contributions are vital to advancing WUNI’s mission of educational excellence and global leadership.
The University of Baguio’s performance at WGC24 reinforces its position as a leader in pioneering educational practices, further elevating its global standing as a center for innovation and excellence in higher education.
