UN officials and university presidents from different continents speak on educating for a sustainable future, advancing scientific collaborations and creating a greener campus during the Global University Presidents' Online Forum. The forum is hosted by Zhejiang University in east China. In light of COVID-19 in particular, nations have become hyperaware of global interconnectedness and the need to work together for solutions to grand challenges. What roles should universities play – now and into the future? Join us in the online forum.