Nunzio Quacquarelli

President at QS Quacquarelli Symonds

Nunzio Quacquarelli is the Founder and President of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the global leader in higher education analytics, insights, and services, driven by a mission to empower motivated people worldwide through academic achievement, international mobility, and career development.

A strategic voice in global education, Nunzio founded QS in 1990 during his MBA at The Wharton School. He has since built QS into a trusted partner to 1,500+ universities and 70 million learners annually, delivering essential intelligence to institutions and policymakers navigating global challenges.

Under his leadership, QS created the QS World University Rankings, the first global rankings to integrate employability and sustainability metrics, setting a new standard for assessing universities. He has also led transformative acquisitions, including HolonIQ and 1Mentor, positioning QS at the forefront of data-driven decision-making for universities worldwide.

Nunzio is the force behind key global initiatives, including the Reimagine Education Awards, Future17, and the Responsible AI in Education Consortium, advancing education as a catalyst for social mobility, economic growth, and global progress.

Global Skills Week
2025 Back to School

Nunzio Quacquarelli

President at QS Quacquarelli Symonds

Nunzio Quacquarelli is the Founder and President of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the global leader in higher education analytics, insights, and services, driven by a mission to empower motivated people worldwide through academic achievement, international mobility, and career development.

A strategic voice in global education, Nunzio founded QS in 1990 during his MBA at The Wharton School. He has since built QS into a trusted partner to 1,500+ universities and 70 million learners annually, delivering essential intelligence to institutions and policymakers navigating global challenges.

Under his leadership, QS created the QS World University Rankings, the first global rankings to integrate employability and sustainability metrics, setting a new standard for assessing universities. He has also led transformative acquisitions, including HolonIQ and 1Mentor, positioning QS at the forefront of data-driven decision-making for universities worldwide.

Nunzio is the force behind key global initiatives, including the Reimagine Education Awards, Future17, and the Responsible AI in Education Consortium, advancing education as a catalyst for social mobility, economic growth, and global progress.

Global Skills Week
2025 Back to School
2025 Back to School Summit
Thursday, September 11, 2025
9:30 am

Inside Middle East & Africa: Market Insights and Meaningful Connections

Join this small, informal roundtable to explore the dynamic and fast-evolving education landscape across the Middle East and Africa. Featuring regional experts and voices from leading institutions, the session offers attendees a unique opportunity to better understand key trends, emerging opportunities, and on-the-ground realities. Whether you’re exploring partnerships, market entry, or expansion, this is a chance to ask questions, share experiences, and build meaningful connections with peers and regional leaders in an open, off-the-record setting.
2025 Back to School Summit
Thursday, September 11, 2025
3:30 pm

Navigating Responsible AI in Higher Education: Addressing Student Expectations and Ethical Practices

Responsible AI is a critical focus in higher education as institutions navigate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across teaching, learning, and operations. As students become increasingly engaged with AI, understanding their preferences and ensuring ethical practices are paramount. This session will explore the key considerations for universities adopting responsible AI practices, from student expectations to institutional leadership. The Responsible AI Consortium (RAIC) is one of the mechanisms supporting this effort, providing a platform for institutions to collaborate, share insights, and drive responsible AI adoption in higher education.
2025 Global Skills Summit
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
4:30 pm

Advancing Responsible AI: A Global Consortium for Ethical AI Adoption in Higher Education

The Responsible AI Consortium (RAIC) is a global initiative, connecting a network of forward-thinking institutions dedicated to promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Higher Education. It serves as a platform for collaboration among universities and business schools worldwide, fostering thought leadership, practice-sharing, and research on AI integration in higher education. Join this session to hear from founding members about the initiatives and impact of the Consortium.