World Forum 2023 | Opening Address - Vice-Chancellor Prof Irene Tracey CBE

Professor Irene Tracey echoed Professor Hepburn’s welcome by highlighting Oxford’s world-leading convening power to address the world’s biggest challenges, from the covid pandemic to the green transition. Noting the importance of universities’ contribution to society in an age of change, she poses a challenge to Oxford University to step up as a trusted thought partner in a global trajectory toward net zero. Professor Tracey identifies institutions like the Smith School as key components of this challenge, highlighting the School’s interdisciplinary approach and intellectual breadth as an important enabler for leadership toward net zero.