This morning, the Rwandan Minister of Education Dr. Valentine Uwamariya graced the Sweden-East Africa University Network (SWEAFUN) workshop. It is a strategic collaborative network for universities in Western Sweden and East Africa to facilitate and coordinate equitable exchange in research, education and utilisation.
Hosted by University of Rwanda, SWEAFUN workshop 2022 in Kigali brought together partners to develop the collaboration by connecting interests, knowledge and capacity for enhanced learning, synergy and impact with efficient use of resources.
In her remarks at SWEAFUN, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya commended Global Sustainable Futures, Chalmers University of Technology,-one of Sweden’s top scientific universities-, and University of Rwanda efforts to organise the workshop that connect interests, advance knowledge and join capacity for enhanced learning, synergy and impact with efficient use of resources.
“This initiative reflects the fact that a university shouldn’t be an island. Any university strength will not only be derived from the quality and relevance of its research and teaching but also from how it efficiently and effectively engages the surrounding world”, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya said.
“The Government of Rwanda recognises the necessity of scientific knowledge to address the complex challenges facing the whole World. We do value strategic research collaboration and innovation to advance and share such necessary knowledge,” she added.
The Sweden-East Africa University Network (SWEAFUN) is a strategic joint initiative between Chalmers University of Technology and partner Universities in East Africa including: Mbarara University, Makerere University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Eduardo Mondlane University, University of Rwanda.
SWEAFUN has received funding from STINT, The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education. This grant enabled a jumpstart for four thematic working groups working around Food and Nutritional Health, Sustainable Energy Innovations, Air Quality and Transport, and Data Driven ICT. (End)