Special report highlights urgent need to transform higher education for equitable access

A new global special report, published by University World News, highlights urgent need to transform higher education for equitable access and impact. The report informs a major international focus on examining the future of higher education and its role in addressing global inequalities, an issue at the heart of the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN)’s mission.

The piece from WAHEN Director Prof. Graeme Atherton, available here, brings together insights from global experts and contributes to a wider body of work exploring how universities can better respond to pressing societal challenges, from economic inequality to workforce development.

University World News is a leading international platform for higher education journalism, providing analysis and commentary from across the world. Its special reports often bring together diverse perspectives to examine critical issues affecting universities and students globally.

The latest special report reflects growing concern about widening disparities in access to higher education and the need for institutions to play a more active role in addressing these gaps. WAHEN’s own research has shown that inequalities in higher education participation persist in every country, with students from advantaged backgrounds significantly more likely to access and complete tertiary education.

Against this backdrop, the report underscores the importance of systemic change, highlighting the need for policy innovation, institutional reform, and stronger collaboration across borders.