DUSHANBE, December 6, 2008, Asia-Plus — On Friday December 5, the University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Center for Development and Environment (CDE) at University of Bern in Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in developing academic training and research potential in Central Asia in the field of environmental protection and providing sustainable development, according to the School for Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA) in Khorog, Gorno Badakhshan.
The agreement aims to promote training of future professors and researchers for UCA as well as expansion of cooperation on exchange of researchers and professors between the two universities.
The source at a SPCE noted that under partnership with CDE, UCA is implementing the project for establishment of regional research centers at its campuses in Khorog (Tajikistan), Naryn (Kyrgyzstan), Tekeli (Kazakhstan).
The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. It is the world’s first internationally chartered institution of higher education. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons and His Highness the Aga Khan is the Founding Patron and Chancellor of UCA. UCA is a private, independent, self-governing institution which will be governed by an independent Board of Trustees and led by a Rector. It will have three campuses of equal size and stature in each of the founding countries. Currently, the Director General of UCA is in charge of operations and planning at the Central Administration office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
CDE’s mission is to contribute to sustainable development in countries of the North, South, and East, through research partnerships, education and training, development of concepts and tools, raising awareness, and policy advice. The Center focuses on management of natural resources, integrated regional development, and interventions that mitigate syndromes of global change.
