The inaugural biennial EWB World Forum was held in 2005 in the UAE in conjunction with the EWB International Student Conference. This unique event attracts participants representing educational institutions and a diverse range of local and international industries. At the 2007 World Forum, participants engaged with a distinguished panel of 25 speakers which included His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, focusing on issues surrounding the topic of "Reframing Higher Education" within the context of globalized education. Panelists included: Nicholas Negroponte, Founder of the non-profit One Laptop Per Child program; His Excellency Maqbool Bin Ali Sultan, Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Oman Oil Company; as well as Professor Unna Huh, President of Information and Communications University, Korea.

The EWB 2009 World Forum will be held on March 31, 2009 in Abu Dhabi, and will provide a unique opportunity for educators from around the world to share in discussions concerning major global issues currently facing leaders of education.  The present economic crisis will be a focal point of the deliberations. The Forum will incorporate a series of round table discussions hosted by eminent international educators and university leaders whilst allowing participants to consider their own institution's response to global challenges.