This Solutions Session highlighted the transformative potential of higher education in advancing core dimensions of social development — notably poverty eradication, inclusive employment, and equitable opportunity. Anchored in the global vision set out by the Second World Summit on Social Development (WSSD), the session underscores how academic institutions can play a catalytic role in shaping just and inclusive societies.

Drawing on the case of LEAP-FAST (Leaders in Higher Education Alliance & Programme – For Accelerating Sustainability Transformations), the session explored how targeted, future-oriented leadership development initiatives can equip early-career academics with the skills, values, and agency needed to navigate and transform complex social realities. Particular attention was paid paid to strengthening institutional capacities in volatile labour markets as higher education institutions need to remain relevant in preparing future change agents. The session also focused on fostering education systems that respond to regional development challenges, especially in the Global South. The session provided an opportunity to generate ideas and inputs from participants on how to steer higher education transformations and provided inputs for the future guidelines.