About the World Leaders Forum
The World Leaders Forum at Columbia University has hosted over 300 heads of state and world leaders from over 85 countries since it was first established in 2003 by President Emeritus Lee C. Bollinger. A distinct feature of this year-round event series is its interactive question and answer session, which gives Columbia students, scholars, and faculty opportunities to participate directly in these discussions related to major issues of our time.
Our Mission
"The Columbia World Leaders Forum was created to provide a place where our University community would be able to hear—in undiluted form—about the critical issues facing other nations, and the world at large, from those in positions of authority and responsibility. Its purpose and design is as a continuous open forum for learning, for discussion, and for vigorous debate, especially for our students who will become the leaders of the future."
— President Emeritus Lee C. Bollinger
Hear Students React to the World Leaders Forum
"I just think it's a really great opportunity to learn and hear from people that I don't normally have access to. I think Columbia is one of the few universities that you get to hear from the major changemakers in the world right now."
Frequently Asked Questions
World Leaders Forum events are free to attend and open to current students, faculty, and staff of Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College. Registration is required for in-person attendance. Registration information can be found on the World Leaders Forum events page for each available event.
Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis among registered attendees. Remaining seats will become available to those in the waitlist line but is not guaranteed, early arrival is strongly encouraged. World Leader Forum events will be livestreamed here and are available to view online after each event in the video archive.
All members of the press must be registered with the Office of Public Affairs to attend a World Leaders Forum event. contact the Office of Public Affairs at [email protected] or (212) 854-5573 to register.