Cape coast: The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Bologna, Italy, have initiated a significant step in advancing Africa-Europe cooperation in higher education with the commencement of a five-day international conference. This event focuses on internationalisation, collaborative research, and project funding, aiming to fortify relationships and partnerships between universities across the two continents.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 'Advanced Skills Course,' which is financed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, is designed to enhance the capabilities of key staff from six African universities. The objective is to bolster their international relations and collaborative efforts. The conference is set to explore sustainable practices and innovative models in international mobility, collaborative research, and joint initiatives between universities and society.
The conference, which began on Monday and will continue until Friday, is hosting researchers, senior administrators, and other essential staff from UCC, the University of Zambia, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Also participating are representatives from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, Universit© Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal, and delegates from the co-convening University of Bologna.
Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, the Acting Vice Chancellor of UCC, emphasized the necessity of internationalisation for universities in addressing global development challenges. He stated that such efforts promote cross-cultural competencies, enhance knowledge in diplomacy, and facilitate the creation of innovation ecosystems to tackle societal issues.
Prof. Aheto expressed hope that the conference would strengthen ties among the participating universities and foster new partnerships with other Italian institutions. He highlighted UCC's global partnerships, particularly with the University of Bologna, as exemplary of academic diplomacy and shared innovation.
Prof. Aheto noted that the collaboration has significantly contributed to UCC's curriculum design, staff training, and student opportunities worldwide. He also mentioned UCC's commitment to its local community, using nearby schools as teaching laboratories to improve education.
Prof. Karin Pallaver, a Professor of African History at the University of Bologna, underscored the importance of building strong collaborations to address global developmental needs. The workshop aims to teach participants about collaborative research, joint project applications, proposal writing, and identifying funding bodies globally.
She expressed optimism that the conference would yield productive ideas and strategies for enhancing Europe-Africa partnerships in higher education. Prof. Pallaver highlighted the social impact that research can have on global challenges and local development.
Prof. Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, Dean of the Office of International Relations at UCC, stressed the need for sustainable and equitable partnerships to support Africa-Europe cooperation. He advocated for scaling up academic and scientific cooperation, skill development, and knowledge circulation between and within European and African nations.
The joint conference is a testament to UCC's strategy of internationalisation and regionalisation, aiming to foster partnerships among universities across the continent.