On October 20, 2025, the Fifth Global Dean’s Forum, themed Reshaping Frontier of Future Cities, was held at the Bell Hall of Tongji University’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP). The forum brought together leading experts from five prestigious institutions: the University of Pennsylvania, National University of Singapore, Tongji University, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Keynote speakers included Professor Frederick Steiner from the University of Pennsylvania, Professor Heng Chye Kiang from the National University of Singapore, Professor Evan Douglis from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Professor Felix Solaguren Beascoa de Corral from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and Professor Lan Wang, Dean of CAUP. They delved into two main themes: Scientific Foundations for Future Ecologies and Interdisciplinary Frontiers and Architectural Culture.

The discussions spanned ecological planning, intelligent design, healthy city science, and architectural culture, offering new perspectives on sustainable and inclusive urban development. Professor Li Xiangning, Vice President of Tongji University, emphasized the forum's role in fostering international collaboration, while Professor Wang Zhendong, Chair of CAUP, highlighted its potential to inspire innovative solutions for urban challenges.

A significant outcome of the forum was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between CAUP and three institutions: Università Iuav di Venezia, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. These agreements aim to enhance academic exchanges, joint research, and innovative practices in architecture and urban planning.

The forum not only facilitated intellectual exchanges but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, advancing the global discourse on sustainable urban development.