In a milestone for South-South academic cooperation, a team of scholars from Argentine universities has commenced a program of postgraduate short courses at the Pan African University (PAU) campuses in Nigeria and Algeria. Funded by the Argentine government, this initiative aligns with the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Education" aimed at transforming and strengthening educational systems across the continent.

The visiting lecturers will conduct courses focused on critical issues such as climate change, environment, agriculture, and energy – areas that resonate deeply with the shared priorities of developing nations in the Global South. This academic exchange not only facilitates knowledge transfer but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

The courses will delve into themes such as food sovereignty and the energy transition, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to address pressing sustainable development challenges facing the African continent.

This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina and the African Union Commission's Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI). The implementation phase, now underway, marks a significant step in the actualization of this academic partnership.

Notably, this collaboration aligns with the overarching goals of the African Union Year of Education 2024, which aims to increase access to quality and inclusive education, promote lifelong learning, and ensure educational relevance to the needs of the 21st century. By fostering international academic exchanges and capacity-building programs, initiatives like these contribute to the AU's vision of building resilient education systems across Africa.

As the world grapples with global challenges that transcend borders, such South-South cooperation exemplifies the power of collective action and shared knowledge in driving sustainable development. The insights and experiences gained through this program will undoubtedly enrich the academic discourse and pave the way for further collaborations between institutions in the Global South.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Claudette Chancelle BILAMPASSI MOUTSATSI | PAU- ESTI Communication Officer| Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation| African Union Commission| E-mail: BilampassiC@africa-union.org|| African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia