At the Global University Leaders Council Hamburg, university leaders from all over the world have adopted recommendations on the commitment of universities to global sustainability and against climate change. All students should be educated about the challenges of climate change and sustainability issues in their studies. This is one of the goals agreed upon by 45 university leaders from 27 countries at the Global University Leaders Council Hamburg (GUC).

HRK-President Peter-André Alt has commented on the results of the "Vaccination Summit" between the Federal Chancellor and the Prime Ministers of the Federal States: "The prospects for progress in COVID-19 vaccination in Germany seem positive overall. The nationwide ending of prioritisation starting the week after next demonstrates that. However, this must now be combined with organisational support for for students as a special group."

The potential of universities worldwide to contribute to the accomplishment of the global task of climate change, and universities´ influence on the basic attitudes and actions of tomorrow's society – these and other contributions by universities to tackling climate change will be discussed by 46 university presidents at the Global University Leaders Council Hamburg, with topics ranging from the design of curricula and research profiles to energy-efficient campus development and the transfer of sustainability issues into society.

The system and content of BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act) no longer adequately reflects the reality of students' lives and fundamental reform is imperative. This was the analysis of the General Assembly of the HRK, which met in a video conference. HRK President Peter-André Alt stated his views on this: "BAföG is key to equal opportunities in education. However, it was not only the pandemic that revealed gaps in funding."

The HRK and the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW) are calling on the federal government and states to make additional investments in the social infrastructure of studies, specifically around €3.5 billion over the next five years for student accommodation and university catering of student services organisations. The federal/state Future Contract for Strengthening Studying and Teaching in Higher Education is to be supplemented by an additional component of three to five percent per year.

Peter-André Alt has been confirmed as President of the HRK with a large majority. The HRK General Assembly elected the Germanist and former President of the Free University of Berlin for another three-year term during an online meeting. The selection committee nominated Professor Alt as the only candidate.