Four Tanzanian varsities join forces with Canadian university to combat climate change
The President of the Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (left), signs the MOU with the President of Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada, Dr. Joy Johnson, for a collaboration to conduct a series of in-depth studies on climate change and related sciences to address its impacts. PHOTO|Bertha Ismail
What you need to know:
- The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Aga Khan University, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Dar-es-salaam, and Simon Fraser University of Canada.
Four Tanzanian universities have joined forces with a Canadian university to conduct extensive research on climate change and related sciences.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Aga Khan University, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Dar-es-salaam, and Simon Fraser University of Canada.
The partnership will focus on advancing climate change adaptation strategies and providing valuable insights to inform policy decisions in Tanzania.
"Climate change is a big deal across the globe and there are more concerted efforts towards environmental sustainability across the world therefore the Aga Khan University through its Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) is at the forefront of pioneering ground breaking research to combat climate change," said AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin.
The universities will utilise AKU's Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) as a ‘living laboratory’ and the results of the research will inform policy and advance environmental stewardship.
AKU-ACER will be open for scientists to conduct collaborative projects as well as faculty and student exchanges.
"We are looking forward to the outcome of this collaboration," said the President of Simon Fraser University (SFU) Dr Joy Johnson adding that the joint venture will enable knowledge to be shared across the four universities as they innovate together on strategies for climate protection.
"I am thrilled that SFU students will have the unique opportunity to study in Tanzania and engage with the local community to advance climate education and community resilience," said SFU President Joy Johnson.
As part of the collaboration, AKU is running the first cohort of a field school for students from SFU to investigate the impact of climate change on communities.
This has been a practical experience for the students to explore environmental concerns through an interdisciplinary approach that ties to historical and contemporary issues in human-environmental interactions.
"Partnerships between Institutions, like friendships between individuals, are built on shared values. And there can be no doubt that NM-AIST and SFU share important values as we are both focused on empowering the society by providing solutions that help the population," stated the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) Chancellor Issa Omari.
Facilitated by AKU's Global Engagement Office, the partnerships established today signify a historic moment for AKU in Tanzania.
The initiative embodies a holistic strategy to tackle climate change, fostering collaboration between local institutions and global experts to exchange knowledge, skills, and best practices.
