University of Strathclyde - 'Our Shared Future: Developing Our Joint Pathway for Impactful Partnerships in Africa'
11 October 2024
SMP Member, the University of Strathclyde, held a two-day event entitled, 'Our Shared Future - Developing Our Joint Pathway for Impactful Partnerships in Africa'. Opened by the University of Strathclyde's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE, the event was part of the University's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, marking the 60th anniversary of its Royal Charter. Led by Prof Tracy Morse and drawing upon the expertise of colleagues across the university and its global partners, the conference focused on the role of Higher Education in supporting development in African nations, whether engaged with higher education counterparts or private, public and third sector organisations.
An inspiring keynote was provided by the UN's Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya who is also a Strathclyde Alumna. The Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary responsible for International Development, Angus Robertson spoke of its collaboration with Strathclyde in Malawi and other international partners. Malawi’s Deputy High Commissioner, Justice Agnes Patemba spoke of the Mission’s commitment to Education and the great value of the bilateral relationship.
The SMP were honoured to participate in and facilitate a session entitled, '30 Years of Partnership - Reflections on our collaborations with Malawi'. Moderated by SMP CEO, Stuart Brown, the panel included representatives sharing successes and challenges of partnership working focusing on the three key focal areas of Strathclyde engagement in Malawi: WASH, Renewables and Education.
Malawi's Honorary Consul in Scotland, Dr. Peter West, shared reflections of the Malawi Millennium Project (MMP) at a reception held at Glasgow City Chambers on Wednesday evening. The Project was a collaborative venture between the University of Strathclyde and the University of Malawi. Strathclyde has had academic links to the University of Malawi that date back to the early 1990s.
The then Principal, Professor John Arbuthnott, University Secretary, Dr Peter West, and Professor Alan McGown were responsible for setting up the MMP in 1999. They remained the driving forces behind it until their respective retirements.
The MMP was one of the SMP's founding members when established in 2005.
