Global Futures
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST (GMT -05:00)

Global Futures Launch 2026

Event Details

Be part of the conversation that will shape the future. Join us for a virtual event to launch the Global Futures 2026 Innovation Update and explore the innovative ideas and initiatives happening across our institution that are driving change locally and globally. 

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 
Time: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. 
Location: Online | Microsoft Teams 

  •  Hear directly from President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel on the progress we’ve made on our Waterloo at 100 strategic vision and where we’re headed.  
  • Discover how Global Futures-funded initiatives are tackling big challenges, from sustainability and climate leadership to student-driven innovation.
  • Learn how these projects connect to the stories featured in the 2026 Global Futures: Innovation Update.

This is your opportunity to find out how you can champion the Global Futures in your own work.

All members of the campus community are invited to attend. 
 

Speakers

  Vivek Goel University of Waterloo President and Vice-Chancellor

Vivek Goel
University of Waterloo
President and Vice-Chancellor

Fayaz Noormohamed Executive Director, Global Futures University of Waterloo

Fayaz Noormohamed
Executive Director, Global Futures
University of Waterloo

Nain Abd Co-founder; Student Colare; University of Waterloo

Nain Abd
Co-founder; Student
Colare; University of Waterloo

Sarah Burch Professor Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo

Sarah Burch
Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo

Mathew Thijssen Director of Sustainability Sustainability Office

Mathew Thijssen
Director of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, University of Waterloo

Derek Rayside Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Derek Rayside
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo

Brianna Wiens Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature

Brianna Wiens
Assistant Professor, Department of English Language and Literature, University of Waterloo