The University of Westminster welcomed a group of international delegates to its Marylebone Campus, organised as part of the British Council’s Going Global 2025 Conference. As one of only four London universities selected by the British Council to host, the tour showcased the University’s facilities, expertise and international engagement to senior higher education leaders from around the world, including vice-chancellors, presidents, rectors, deans, chief operating officers and ministerial advisers.
The visit, held on 28 October, provided an opportunity for the University to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to global engagement and innovation in higher education, as well as explore prospects for future partnerships.
The visit focused on the School of Architecture and Cities, beginning with a welcome from the Head of School Kate Cheyne, followed by a tour offering expert insights led by Samir Pandya, Associate Head of College (External Relations) in the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries. The group then had the chance to explore the University’s renowned Fabrication Lab led by Dr David Scott, Principal Lecturer in Architecture.
Following the tour, delegates attended a welcome address from Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability, who provided an overview of the University and its history, followed by greetings from Vice-Chancellor and President of the University Professor Peter Bonfield.
The visit concluded with refreshments and a networking session, providing an opportunity for delegates and senior colleagues to exchange ideas and identify potential areas for collaboration, several of which have already progressed since the event.
The British Council’s Going Global 2025 Conference is for leaders in international education to debate the future of further and higher education. Since its inception in 2004, the conference has provided a strategic forum for leaders in international education to connect, share knowledge and build a global network of senior leaders and policy influencers.
Samir Pandya said: “It was a pleasure to host this delegation of esteemed colleagues. The global representation of the group reflected much of our own global reach and activity, including through student mobility, research and Transnational Education. Discussions revealed a strong sense of shared values and a clear commitment to ongoing dialogue. It was an excellent morning, affirming our own strategic direction and global connectivity.”
Professor Anand added: “As an institution that prides itself on being a global university with London energy, we were honoured to host this delegation of visitors from multiple countries. Our message of openness and inclusion, which has been a part of our DNA since 1838, alongside our focus on progressive education, career readiness and partnerships based on equality and mutual respect, was well received by the delegates.”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster.
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