Université Paris-Saclay committed within the U7+ Alliance to affirm the social role of universities in a changing world
Gathered in Paris on 14 and 15 April 2026 for the annual U7+ Alliance summit, the presidents of the member universities, including Université Paris-Saclay, adopted a joint statement on the social role of universities in a world shaped by profound political, technological, climate and geopolitical transformations.
Created in 2019 at the initiative of the President of the Republic as part of the French G7 Presidency, the U7+ Alliance brings together universities engaged in regular dialogue with G7 governments on major global issues.
A U7+ summit now recognised within the G7 framework
The 2026 summit, held in Paris, focused on the social role of universities in a world under strain. It marks an important milestone with the recognition of the U7+ Alliance as an official G7 engagement group, strengthening the role of universities in dialogue with public decision-makers.
Discussions addressed the contributions of universities to understanding and supporting contemporary transitions, particularly in the areas of democracy, climate, technology and artificial intelligence.
A meeting with the President of the Republic
On 14 April 2026, as part of the summit held in Paris, a delegation from the U7+ Alliance was received at the Élysée Palace by President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to free and independent science and to academic freedom, and encouraged universities to engage in the public sphere by bringing forward scientific facts and evidence in response to disinformation. On this occasion, the 2026 U7+ statement, entitled The Social Role of Universities in a Divided World, was presented to the President.
Universities facing major contemporary transformations
The summit discussions addressed the major transformations facing societies, in which universities play an essential role: changes in democratic systems, climate and environmental challenges, the rapid evolution of technologies -particularly artificial intelligence- and the development of dual-use research with both civilian and military applications.
Participants underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between universities and public stakeholders in order to contribute to collective responses grounded in scientific knowledge.
Université Paris-Saclay engaged in international dynamics
Université Paris-Saclay is fully engaged in these international reflections on the role of universities in contemporary societies.
Through its participation in the U7+ Alliance, it helps bring the voice of universities into the international public debate and strengthens the links between research, education and public decision-making.
It thereby reaffirms its commitment to open, independent research addressing major scientific and societal challenges.
At Université Paris-Saclay, the U7+ Alliance is overseen by Sandrine Lacombe, advisor to the president for European and international networks.