Abstract
This study analyzes the effects of globalization on higher education institutions and the role of cultural diversity on leadership structures. With the acceleration of globalization, higher education institutions have transformed from being mere centers of knowledge production to dynamic social ecosystems where multicultural interactions take place. This transformation has also necessitated the redefinition of the concept of leadership; strategic roles such as vision development, change management, harmonization of different cultural values, and building sustainable academic communities have come to the fore. The structure of the global education ecosystem, the balance between global values and local cultural dynamics, and the impact of cultural diversity on learning processes have been comprehensively addressed in the study. In addition, multicultural leadership models, core competencies required for the development of leadership skills, and the impact of cultural diversity on innovation and creativity have been examined. It has also focused on how new technologies such as digitalization and artificial intelligence have transformed leadership structures. As a result, it has been revealed that flexible and inclusive leadership models that view cultural diversity as a strategic advantage play a critical role in increasing the global competitiveness and sustainability of higher education institutions. In future studies, it is recommended that in-depth studies be conducted on the application of these models in different regional and institutional contexts.