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Two new research collaborations led by the Humanitarian Water Engineering (HWE) Lab at 91亚色鈥檚 Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research aim to improve health outcomes in crisis-affected communities in Uganda through local partnerships and innovative water-focused interventions.
Syed Imran Ali, Director of the HWE Lab and Fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute, and his team recently travelled to Uganda to launch two new research partnerships aimed at improving public health in communities affected by humanitarian crises.

The first initiative took Ali and his team to Gulu University, where they met with faculty from Gulu's School of Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and the Environment, and Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies. Together, they defined and formalized a new collaborative research program, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions.

Located in a region recovering from prolonged civil conflict and home to a large refugee population fleeing unrest in neighbouring countries, Gulu University will work with the HWE Lab on projects addressing communicable disease control, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in emergency contexts.

Supported by 91亚色 International鈥檚 Global Research Excellence Seed Fund, the first joint projects will focus on water and health in refugee settlements in northern Uganda. Over time, the partnership aims to expand into additional priority areas in humanitarian health and bring in new partner institutions from neighbouring countries, contributing to a broader vision for a humanitarian health research network across the African Great Lakes Region.

Ali and his team also visited the Kyaka II refugee settlement in western Uganda to initiate a second research collaboration with the Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development. A key implementing partner for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Nsamizi is responsible for delivering WASH services at the settlement.

Supported by a Connected Minds Seed Grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, this project will use machine learning to develop predictive tools linking water quality to health outcomes. The goal is to address a long-standing challenge in the humanitarian WASH sector: enabling timely health risk forecasting without relying on costly, large-scale disease surveillance studies.

Over the coming year, the HWE Lab will work with Nsamizi to strengthen water system monitoring, provide technical training, and support the development of proposals for future water and sanitation programs at Kyaka II and other refugee settlements in Uganda.

Together, these two partnerships mark a significant step forward in the HWE Lab鈥檚 mission to deliver practical, innovative solutions to urgent global health challenges through close collaboration with local institutions.

With files from Syed Imran Ali

Originally published in YFile.

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By Deirdre Kelly

In the lush hills of P茅rez Zeled贸n, Costa Rica, 91亚色鈥檚 Las Nubes EcoCampus shows how education can cross borders.

At its centre is Casita Azul, a modest one-room library that serves as a hub for cultural exchange, community empowerment and collaboration.

Recently, Casita Azul received a donation from Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA (EMBA) students at the Schulich School of Business 鈥� a gesture inspired by their experience during the program鈥檚 capstone course. But, this story is about more than a donation; it鈥檚 about how a week in Costa Rica is reshaping how future business leaders see their role in addressing global challenges.

Three years ago, Schulich鈥檚 EMBA capstone was redesigned to focus on social and environmental issues, challenging students to apply business tools in unfamiliar contexts. The course culminates in a week-long immersion in Costa Rica, where students work with local youth to co-create business models using the social business model canvas. The goal: integrate economic, social and environmental priorities into innovative, culturally grounded solutions.

Geoffrey Kistruck, professor and RBC Chair in Social Innovation & Impact at Schulich, calls the experience transformative. 鈥淭he alternative business models co-designed with local youth combine solid business principles with highly contextualized realities,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just academic 鈥� it鈥檚 about creating solutions that work within their lived experiences.鈥�

Unlike typical study tours, the capstone is an intensive learning sprint. Mornings start with classroom sessions; afternoons, students collect insights and collaborate with local entrepreneurs. Evenings are for reflection and refining strategies. The business models they develop must be viable and address pressing social and environmental challenges.

Casita Azul plays a key role in this exchange. More than a library, it anchors the community and brings 91亚色鈥檚 work in advancing United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its programs include literacy workshops, environmental education for schoolchildren and internet access 鈥� still rare in parts of P茅rez Zeled贸n. The library also hosts cultural exchanges connecting 91亚色 researchers, students and local residents.

Dana Craig, teaching and learning librarian at 91亚色, highlights Casita Azul鈥檚 role in fostering connections. 鈥淭he immersive experience transforms expectations. Students leave not just educated but motivated to act 鈥� whether through donations, teaching workshops or sharing their stories.鈥�

This spirit of engagement inspired the EMBA cohort鈥檚 donation 鈥� a gesture neither planned nor solicited but born naturally from their time at Casita Azul. While philanthropy isn鈥檛 91亚色鈥檚 primary goal in Costa Rica, moments like this show how deep connection can spark meaningful action.

Rahim Dharamsi, director of development, institutional priorities, sees a deeper impact. 鈥淟as Nubes isn鈥檛 just a place 鈥� it becomes part of you. People leave wanting to contribute because they鈥檝e been part of something meaningful.鈥�

That sense of belonging and shared purpose is reflected in Casita Azul鈥檚 daily work. The library has become integral to life in P茅rez Zeled贸n, offering internet access, books and workshops on entrepreneurship, computer skills and environmental stewardship. Its programs respond to local needs 鈥� supporting women鈥檚 groups, collaborating with schools and hosting classes led by local experts. By working alongside the community, Casita Azul advances 91亚色鈥檚 mission while building capacity and opportunity in the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor.

Not everyone sees such programs as an unqualified good. Critics of 鈥渧oluntourism鈥� question whether short-term visits create lasting change or risk reinforcing power imbalances. Kistruck acknowledges these concerns but emphasizes Schulich鈥檚 focus on co-creation, not charity. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about coming in with solutions,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about working together to design something that fits their reality.鈥�

That collaborative philosophy now shapes Schulich鈥檚 global outlook. Drawing on the lessons learned at Las Nubes, the school is launching a similar capstone course in Tanzania, where students will partner with local co-operatives to develop business models tailored to local needs.

鈥淎s future business leaders鈥� skills evolve, we will continue to adapt how we educate and deliver value to both local and global communities,鈥� Kistruck says.

Watch a video below.

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Symposium on Shell鈥檚 legacy in Niger Delta and what comes next brings diverse group of scholars and activists to 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus

April 9, 2025, TORONTO 鈥� With the Shell company having finalized the sale of assets in Nigeria鈥檚 Niger Delta, questions remain for those who fought against decades of human rights and environmental abuses in the region: How do you keep Shell accountable for the damage they鈥檝e done? Will divestment be more than a clever PR ploy for big oil and gas?

These questions bring together a diverse group of scholars, community leaders, activists, legal experts and international advocates to 91亚色 April 10 and 11, for the two-day symposium: From the Niger Delta, Nigeria to the World - Charting a Global Just Transition Agenda.

The legacy of oil pollution and human rights abuses in the Niger Delta are one of the worst, with Shell even being accused of being complicit in the Nigerian state鈥檚 secret sentencing and killing of activists in the 1990s, says Environment and Urban Change Prof. , one of the organizers of the event. 

鈥淎rguably, attention to injustice in the region spurred corporate social responsibility as an industrial movement and was central to creating the environmental justice movement globally. This symposium is an opportunity to take a hard look at this legacy of corporate abuse, resistance, and what comes next,鈥� says Zalik. 

From the earliest days of colonization in Nigeria, the British identified Niger Delta as economically useful for resource extraction, and, for the last 60 years, Shell has been involved in oil and gas extraction in the region. 

Informed by a report put together by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which declares Shell鈥檚 legacy in the region as an environmental genocide, the symposium examines the prospects for a global just transition. 

鈥淲hen the word divestment is used 鈥� Shell for example dumping toxic assets on so-called local companies and shirking their historic responsibility to clean up鈥� what does it really mean? There are questions regarding the limitations of the whole idea of just transition,鈥� says 91亚色 PhD alum Isaac Asume Osuoka, a former Vanier scholar and one of the authors of the Bayelsa Report who will chair the discussion on the report at the symposium.

鈥淭his听91亚色 conference is an opportunity to address those gaps in terms of how this conversation has been framed in dominant discourses.鈥澨�

The symposium will be held this Thursday and Friday at 91亚色 at 519  at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus, with global environmental justice activist, author, architect, think-tank director and 91亚色 Honorary Doctorate Nnimmo Bassey giving the keynote speech on Thursday at 3 p.m.  can attend virtually for those unable to make it in person. 

Originally published in News@91亚色.

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Five upper-year 91亚色 nursing students will travel to Kumasi, Ghana in March for a three-week clinical placement 鈥� a unique opportunity to broaden their understanding and experience in global health.

The undergraduate students will take part in clinical outreach and community health programs focusing on chronic diseases and maternal health at Mansa Memorial Hospital, a small private facility in Kumasi. 

Well-equipped to serve a large catchment area, the hospital includes an acute care unit, a maternity ward, as well as adult and inpatient units. Along with its strong community outreach and public health work, Mansa Memorial offers students the opportunity to rotate through wards and do clinical outreach. 

Faith Root, a registered nurse who holds a master鈥檚 degree in public health, is a PhD student and an assistant professor in 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health. Root, along with Professor Mavoy Bertram, an associate professor and pediatric nurse practitioner, will accompany the students. 

鈥淭hey're very involved with trying to meet people where they are in the community. So, on Sundays, we'll go to church to do diabetes outreach. We鈥檒l go to the markets,鈥� says Root. 鈥淪tudents will get to see a little bit of everything and be able to engage with education from an individual and population perspective.鈥� 

Health-care workers are seeing a trend of rising chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the world鈥檚 low- and middle-income countries, Root says. Chronic diseases are gradually outpacing infectious causes of death such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV as countries develop. 

The nursing students will care for patients diagnosed with both infectious and chronic illness. 

Also, the demographics of patients that come into care is similar to what is observed in  North America;  it鈥檚 mainly women and children who access health care. The Ghanaians 鈥渢old us the men just don't come in for care until they're really ill,鈥� Root says. 

Historically, the leading cause of death from pregnancy and childbirth in Ghana was postpartum hemorrhages. However, hypertension in pregnancy is on the rise, so caring for pregnant patients with high blood pressure conditions will be a big focus for the students, Root says.  

Although there are similarities in patient demographics and illnesses in the Ghana hospital, the practicum is meant to immerse students in global health scholarship. Claire Mallette, a registered nurse and director of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing, says 鈥淲e know we need to provide these learning opportunities for our students. We know the world is globalized, and it is important to give the experience of a global health perspective.鈥�  

The undergraduate practicum pilot project stems from the School鈥檚 graduate level project ASCEND (Advancing Scholarship and Capacity for Emerging Nursing Doctorates), which is a partnership between 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing and the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) based in Ho, Ghana. ASCEND supports Ghanaian nurses who come to 91亚色 to pursue PhDs in nursing. Over the five or six years of its existence, the program has seen up to 10 Ghanaian nurses work on PhDs at 91亚色 with the goal of returning home to teach other nurses and conduct research, says Root.  

91亚色 also helps educate other nurses and midwives in Ghana. In return for having the 91亚色 nursing students at Mansa Memorial, Ghanaian health officials collaborated with 91亚色 to access nursing education resources, Root says.  

鈥淲e offered one of the courses that I teach specifically on pregnancy to the nurses and midwives,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey were given access to our online portal. We set up a separate one so they had access to slides, recorded lectures, all of the material and content.鈥�  

Root followed this up with a live Zoom session every two weeks to discuss a different case the Ghanaian health officials would present. It became a community of practice with both sides learning from each other, rather than just an invitation to join the course, Root says. She hopes to organize another session this summer.  

Mallette calls the partnership with Ghana a win-win for 91亚色 and Ghana on many levels. She says the School of Nursing is keen to expand the practicum program; however, one of the biggest hurdles is cost to students.  

鈥淎t 91亚色, we have the most diverse population of students, many being first generation to be going to university,鈥� Mallette says. 鈥淗aving to work to be able to fund their education is really limiting.鈥� 

The School and its students will be seeking creative ways to fund and expand on these valuable international placements to provide more equitable opportunities for interested nursing students. 

With files from Julie Carl

Originally published in YFile.

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When Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was sworn in as Ghana鈥檚 first female vice-president on Jan. 7, it marked the latest barrier shattered by the 91亚色 alumna.

Her inauguration is another milestone in her journey from distinguished academic to national leader. Long before entering the political arena, she achieved historic firsts as the first female vice-chancellor of a Ghanaian public university in 2008, and Ghana鈥檚 first female minister of education, appointed by then-president John Mahama after the 2012 Ghanaian general election.

Her journey began in 1977 at the University of Cape Coast where she graduated with a BA (Hons) in education. She followed up with a master鈥檚 and doctoral degree in 1980 and 1986 respectively, both in English literature, at 91亚色.

Vice-Provost and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Alice MacLachlan, says: 鈥淧rofessor Opoku-Agyemang鈥檚 trajectory as an alumna speaks to the nature of graduate research here at 91亚色 鈥� in particular, our commitment to cutting-edge research that remains socially engaged and grounded.

鈥淲e are all extraordinarily proud of her achievements and her commitment to political leadership and empowerment, and we honour her status as the first woman to take on so many crucial roles: first woman vice-chancellor of a Ghanian public university, first woman minister of education, and 鈥� now 鈥� first woman vice-president. Professor Opoku-Agyemang鈥檚 example reminds us that a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree from 91亚色 鈥� in any field 鈥� empowers our alumni to change the world.鈥�

Opoku-Agyemang taught and worked at the University of Cape Coast beginning in 1986. She has held various academic positions, including: head of the Department of English, dean of the Faculty of Arts, warden of Adehye Hall, Valco Trust Fund Post-Graduate Hostel, and the founding dean of School of Graduate Studies and Research. In 1997, she was named academic director of the School for International Training in the History and Cultures of the African Diaspora. From 2008-12, she was the Cape Coast University's vice-chancellor.

In November 2019, she returned to 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus to participate in the Tubman Talks series for the discussion 鈥淥n Feminizing the Academic Space in Ghana: The Story of a 91亚色 U Alumna,鈥� where she shared her experiences as an academic in Ghana. With a population of more than 36 million people, Ghana is a country in western Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in March 1957.

"Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang's historic appointment as Ghana's first female vice-president is a significant achievement that reflects her commitment to education, leadership and public service," says J.J. McMurtry, dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. "Her accomplishment underscores her role as a pioneer for women in leadership, illustrating the potential for transformative change within governance and public service. As an alumna of 91亚色, her success serves as an inspiration for our students and exemplifies the values of our Faculty, highlighting the impact of a 91亚色 education in shaping leaders who contribute meaningfully to society. We look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make in her field and on the next generation of student leaders in Ghana."

In July 2020, when she was first chosen to be his vice-presidential running mate by former president John Dramani Mahama, Opoku-Agyemang said: 鈥淢aking history is gratifying; but what really matters is not to be first through the door. What matters is to hold the door open for those behind us and create other avenues for self-actualization for many more.鈥�

Opoku-Agyemang鈥檚 journey serves as a testament to the limitless potential of dreams. Her achievement not only sets new precedents, but also ignites the belief that no dream is unachievable. Through hard work, resilience and an unwavering commitment to her vision, she has paved the way for future generations of women and Black leaders everywhere.

Originally published in YFile.

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91亚色 and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted the public forum and a reception to mark 75 years of diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Philippines

From academics to laypersons, more than 100 Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at 91亚色 recently, to attend a public forum on achievements and challenges that are unique to members of the diaspora in Canada.

The panel discussion followed by a reception was facilitated by 91亚色 and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, marking the 75th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The turnout for the October 28 event at 91亚色鈥檚 Tribute Communities Recital Hall indicated attendees鈥� interest in learning more about their own community, while taking it as an opportunity to meet fellow diaspora members, even though it was a weekday.

Welcoming the guests and panelists, immediate past Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips noted that as an academic institution, diversity and inclusion are 91亚色鈥檚 core values and that through teaching, research and community-engagement activities, the University is embracing differing perspectives and fostering global fluencies and cross-cultural knowledges. 鈥淭hrough global partnerships on shared goals and values, 91亚色 is committed to addressing global challenges and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable planet for all.鈥�

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona said, 鈥淢any Filipinos I met since I arrived here told me that their migration experience to Canada was not easy. But migrating to another land is never easy. It takes hard work, adapting to a new culture and way of life, learning new knowledge, skills and possibly another language, as well as personal and financial sacrifices. But most of all, it is a commitment 鈥� a commitment to a better future. A commitment to contribute to Canadian society. I am happy that even though their start was not easy, many Filipinos in Canada eventually became successful. Others, whose parents were Filipino migrants, also became very successful.鈥�

Titled 鈥淧ublic Forum on the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Celebrating Successes and Addressing Persistent Challenges,鈥� the panel of Filipino and Filipino-Canadian leaders and changemakers shared their thoughts on the success of Filipino professionals in Canada and the barriers that persist.

Panellists 鈥� Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal for Ontario Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University and Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), also highlighted contributions for the diaspora members in academia, politics, arts, culture and society. Professor Philip Kelly, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs moderated the panel, while Assistant Professor Marissa Largo, Visual Art and Art History, AMPD served as the emcee for the evening.

鈥淭onight鈥檚 discussion, led by our speakers and panellists has given us much to think about. Hopefully, the points raised will form a springboard from which we can build platforms and programs for action, to make policies that are responsive to building better communities for our community here,鈥� said Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, addressing the audiences.

The Philippine Studies Group at 91亚色 Centre for Asian Studies organized the public event with the support of 91亚色 International, which leads the University鈥檚 global engagement initiatives and partnerships.

In her remarks closing the event, Associate Vice President Vinitha Gengatharan at 91亚色 International said that the challenges overcame by the panellists resonated with many, including herself, who immigrated to Canada at an early age. 鈥淲e learned so much from your insights and experiences as you navigated your careers and professions enriched by the unique cultures, systems, and contexts of both Canada and the Philippines.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

Speaking to OMNI Television鈥檚 Paula Saraza during the reception, Philipps said there is a strong representation of Filipino students at 91亚色. 鈥淲e're very proud to have more than 400 Filipino heritage students here at 91亚色鈥� some have come directly from the Philippines. That number has been growing and we hope to see it grow further.鈥�

In the same , Consul General Escalona pointed out that it鈥檚 an excellent time to highlight the fact that the Canada-Philippines relationship is the strong people-to-people linkages. 鈥淲hat we actually want to see is, more Filipino Canadian leaders. More Filipino Canadian trailblazers.鈥�

Originally published in News@91亚色.

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Manalo noted academic connections between 91亚色 and Philippine educational and government institutions that strengthen bilateral relations  

91亚色 and the Philippines have developed a deep-rooted relationship that鈥檚 鈥渕utually beneficial,鈥� the Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said during his visit to the University鈥檚 Keele campus on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Manalo stopped by 91亚色 on the last day of his Canadian trip, to meet with members of 91亚色鈥檚 leadership and faculty researchers with a strong interest in the Philippines and its diaspora. He was accompanied by the country鈥檚 top diplomats to Canada, including Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria; Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Office of American Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs; and Toronto Consul General Angelica Escalona.

Coinciding with the Asian Heritage Month events held at 91亚色, the meeting was facilitated by 91亚色 International鈥檚 Helen Balderama, director of global engagement and partnership.

鈥淎cademic linkages facilitate cooperation that strengthens the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Canada,鈥� Manalo told the attendees, including academics who are part of the Philippine Studies Group (PSG) at 91亚色 Centre for Asian Research.

鈥淲e note the active engagements between 91亚色 and Philippine educational and government institutions,鈥� said Manalo, highlighting his country鈥檚 appreciation for PSG鈥檚 research programs and projects, conducted with funding support from the Philippines government.

鈥�91亚色 is committed to further developing strategic partnerships in the Philippines and the Filipino community in Canada that are multi-layered and multi-disciplinary,鈥� Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps said. Philipps noted that her recent visit to the Philippines, as part of the Universities Canada Partnership Mission, offered an insight into the opportunities available for research collaborations and partnerships.

In fact, the discussions Philipps had with government officials around 91亚色鈥檚 leadership in disaster and emergency management (DEM) research led to Professors  and  visiting the Pacific nation 鈥� ranked among the most disaster-prone countries in the world 鈥�  with its Civil Defense Training Institute.

Kennedy and Asgary, who are the associate directors of 91亚色 Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, & Governance Institute, shared their experience interacting with researchers at the University of the Philippines as well as visiting active volcano sites during their recent visit to the Pacific nation. 

Kennedy said the Philippines Office of Civil Defense personnel have been invited to 91亚色 for training and collaboration, as well as to explore experiential education opportunities for students in DEM programs, including internships and placements in the Philippines.

Dance Professor  who had accompanied Philipps on the trip, highlighted his positive experience engaging in partnership meetings to launch the course, 鈥淧hilippine Folk Dance and Culture.鈥� He said nearly a dozen students have enrolled in his innovative  that begins later this month in the Philippines. The course is offered by 91亚色鈥檚 School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design in partnership with the University of the Philippines and other Philippine institutions. Alcedo said the course will be a window into the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines through immersive experience and will be offered to external participants in the future.

Visual art and art history Professor  said her upcoming book, funded by the PSG, will be first of its kind on Filipino Canadian contemporary art published in Canada. The book, currently in manuscript stage, examines the practices and oral histories of four Filipino Canadian visual artists and their decolonial diaspora esthetics, while analyzing what it means to be a diasporic person amid a Eurocentric society.

Equity studies Professor , whose research focus includes post-disaster recovery, climate change adaptation and climate change-induced mobility in the Philippines and the Filipino community in Canada, was among the researchers present at the meeting. She told the group that more than $500,000 of a new grant for an international research study in Africa and Asia will be allocated to research in the Philippines. Su, who is a co-principal investigator on the grant noted that the fund will be used to hire researchers, invest in local communities and build capacity for research and climate change adaptation.

Professor , interim dean of the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change who is credited with establishing 91亚色鈥檚 earliest research partnership with the Philippines, in 2007, highlighted that a large number of 91亚色 students are drawn from recent immigrant communities, including the Filipino community, which is also one of the fastest growing diasporas in the country. He said 91亚色 also has attracted many faculty members of Philippine origin and that led to the creation of the PSG at 91亚色.

Kelly offered an overview of the group鈥檚 work, highlighting current projects of a few Philippine researchers 鈥� both faculty and students鈥� fostering cultural understanding through the arts and humanities. He noted that the research spans disciplines across the University, including history Professor听鈥檚 research on the commonalities between Indigenous cultures and communities of Canada and the Philippines; and politics Professor听鈥檚 research studying labour activism in the Filipino diaspora.听

At the end of the presentation, Philipps thanked Manalo and his colleagues for making the stop at 91亚色 to meet in person with 91亚色 researchers. 鈥淲e are excited to participate in the 75th anniversary celebrations of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations, hosting several related events at 91亚色 this year.鈥�

Among the 91亚色 events planned around the 75th anniversary鈥檚 theme 鈥淏uilding Bridges, Celebrating Connections,鈥� are a panel discussion of Filipino-Canadian community and thought leaders concerning Filipino immigrant successes and barriers in Canadian labour markets, and a diaspora film festival, both planned for Fall 2024.

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Members of the 91亚色 Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, & Governance Institute (Y-EMERGE) have travelled to the Philippines to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the country鈥檚 Civil Defense Training Institute (CDTI).

Earlier in 2024,听Ali Asgary听补苍诲听Eric Kennedy,听professors of disaster and emergency management and associate directors of Y-EMERGE 鈥� a 91亚色 Organized Research Unit dedicated to research and training in disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness 鈥� were invited to Manila for the launch of CDTI and the MOU signing ceremony.

The partnership 鈥� and trip 鈥� grew out of an earlier visit to the Philippines by Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips in November 2023 (as part of the Universities Canada Partnership Mission) where queries emerged about areas of specialization that 91亚色 had in common with the country and its researchers.

Because the Philippines is ranked among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and 91亚色鈥檚 Y-EMERGE is a national leader in emergency management, a natural fit was quickly found.

Asgary and Kennedy travelled to Manila in March for the official MOU signing, which also included a discussion about short-, medium- and long-term collaborations with 91亚色. CDTI was very interested in the work of 91亚色鈥檚  (ADERSIM) team 鈥� where Asgary is a core scientist 鈥� as well as the University鈥檚 technology and training.

鈥淲e had great discussions with the senior people there,鈥� Asgary says. 鈥淭hey are keen to collaborate, knowing that 91亚色 has strong research and training expertise in disaster management. This formal collaboration initiative through the MOU makes it more impactful.鈥�

The agreement is especially meaningful, since 2024 marks the 75^th anniversary of Canada-Philippines diplomatic relations.

The professors also used the trip to further other 91亚色 partnerships, collaborate and make new contacts. Asgary and Kennedy connected with CDTI personnel, and visited with disaster and emergency management experts at the University of the Philippines鈥� Resilience Institute. They also met with CIFAL Philippines, a sister organization to CIFAL 91亚色 鈥� both part of the United Nations Institute for Training & Research.

鈥淲e used this trip as a way to advance University partnerships in areas where 91亚色 has exceptional strengths,鈥� Kennedy says. 鈥淏uilding collaborative relationships with institutions in the Philippines is a natural connection point, given both sides have significant expertise in disaster and emergency management 鈥� and given the many hazards, including volcanoes, typhoons and earthquakes, faced in the Philippines.

鈥淭he idea is to build mutual learning, collaboration and opportunities for exchange. Our new CDTI partners have an incredible amount of lived experience in managing a wide variety of hazards. Creating relationships and partnerships is so much more valuable than simply importing solutions. The best programs are born out of collaboration, so we are eager to work together to build resilience, conduct research and train the next generation of emergency leaders.鈥�

The first product of the new partnership will be a monthly virtual speaker series about climate change displacement, an issue that is a focus for CIFAL Philippines, the Resilient Institute and the CDTI, which will begin in June as a way to share expertise and resources. It is a practical first step for the partners to undertake, but it promises to be the first of many, including research collaborations and potential student exchanges.

Asgary and Kennedy also met with numerous faculty members at the University of the Philippines for a presentation about some of their current projects and a tour of their various labs. They were able to assess where synergies exist and connect 91亚色 colleagues with researchers who have similar interests.

In addition, Asgary, a specialist in volcanic emergencies and emergency simulations, and Kennedy, an expert in wildfire emergencies and decision-making during disasters, were each able to find commonalities with Filipino researchers and consider individual research collaborations.

Asgary also had the opportunity to visit two active volcanoes, as well as volcano observatories, facilitated by CDTI and their regional directors, and is already busy in working on simulations used for planning and training.

鈥淲e can now broker mutually beneficial connections and match up teams in both directions,鈥� Kennedy says. 鈥淚t was also a fruitful space to foster relationships beyond those with our three official partners. At the launch, we met representatives from a variety of organizations with overlapping interests, such as the World Food Programme and the International Organization for Migration.

鈥淚t is so important that 91亚色 prioritizes this kind of in-person relationship building. There are a lot of ways to sustain relationships in the virtual world, but they are built on the foundation of in-person relationships. In-person connections are incredibly valuable.鈥�

Vinitha Gengatharan, 91亚色鈥檚 assistant vice-president, global engagement, says Asgary and Kennedy are modelling the type of relationship the University is eager to create with its international partners.

鈥淜nowledge sharing, respect and mutually enriching collaboration are vital ingredients for successful international partnerships,鈥� Gengatharan says. 鈥淎li and Eric set the standard for the type of relationships we continue to build worldwide.鈥�

The seeds of this relationship may have just been planted, but they are already bearing fruit.

Originally published in YFile.

The post 91亚色 U and Philippines advance emergency response leadership with MOU appeared first on Global Engagement.

TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2023 鈥� Renewed relationships, new collaborations, future engagement opportunities are just some of the results of 91亚色鈥檚 recent delegation to India, aside from increased awareness about the University and its global engagement.

The two-week trip included meetings with strategic partners, high school counsellors, alumni, government officials and media, and exploratory conversations with potential partners in the South Asian country.

The India mission was part of 91亚色鈥檚 revitalized vision, Engaging the World: 91亚色鈥檚 Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy, 2022-2027, to bring greater focus, cooperation and prioritization to the university鈥檚 internationalization efforts as highlighted in the University Academic Plan 2020-2025.

鈥淥ur partnerships in India are very important to us, and we were eager to explore how we can continue to support access, excellence, connectedness and impact in higher education through enhanced collaboration,鈥� said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. 鈥淕iven the increasing complexity of global problems, partnering across borders with leading institutional partners who share our values is key to sharing knowledge, skills and resources for the betterment of all鈥�.

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and its Vice Chancellor Professor  facilitated parts of the trip that kicked off with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for student mobility between 91亚色 and JGU, which is located near Delhi, in Sonipat. Developing programs for student and faculty exchange, summer abroad and dual degrees as well as establishing collaborative research projects are also in the works.

Professor Kumar, who recognizes 91亚色 as an early mover in the Indian higher education system鈥檚 foreign institution landscape, facilitated conversations with diverse higher education stakeholders across India.

These interactions also came at a time when the government of India removed restrictions preventing world class universities from offering education programs to its growing youth population, the largest in the world.

91亚色鈥檚 president Lenton was accompanied by the deans for , Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Science; 鈥檚 associate dean for research; associate dean for programs at the ; associate vice president for alumni engagement; and an associate director from . 

91亚色鈥檚 leadership visit also attracted significant media attention, since the delegation was in India during heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Members of Indian media centred their questions around how current and future students may be affected by the situation. In response, Lenton highlighted Canada as one of the safest countries in the world that values diversity and continues to attract large number of immigrants from the Indo-Pacific region.

鈥淐anada is an incredibly welcoming multicultural, inclusive, safe society that values higher education. In fact, Canada鈥檚 university education system is one of the country鈥檚 best resources because no matter what university you go to, you are going to receive a high quality education,鈥� assured Lenton, including in an exclusive interview to the  .

鈥淲e help students connect with each other and build a strong network and community in Canada. 91亚色 is unwavering in the support for our diverse and inclusive community,鈥� Lenton told the . 鈥淲e continue to welcome students from all over the world, including India, and provide a supportive environment for all international students, both current and those planning to come to study at 91亚色. We look forward to welcoming them to our community.鈥� 

91亚色 representatives met with Hon. M.C. Sudhakar, Karnataka鈥檚 minister of higher education, Hon. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Tamil Nadu鈥檚 minister of information technology and digital service, and Sanjay Murthy, the Government of India鈥檚 higher education secretary, to better understand how regional and national governments are facilitating international higher education collaborations.  

Internationalization has long been a part of 91亚色鈥檚 identity since it was founded in 1959 and is a defining feature of our community. The University has been delivering business programs in the country since 2009 and established an India Advisory Council consisting of top Indian business leaders to ensure its programs address the growing needs of India鈥檚 economy, Lenton told reporters during press conferences in various cities.  

JGU hosted education conclaves in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata, where Lenton highlighted the initiatives that are in the pipeline, in her remarks on the theme of 鈥淚ndia-Canada Higher Education Partnership: In Pursuit of Excellence, Inclusion and Empowerment.鈥� Those in attendance included hundreds of educators from high schools and universities and think-tanks. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions about how 91亚色鈥檚 presence in India might help their students in pursuing studies in Canada, particularly at 91亚色.

The university also hosted some of its first alumni events in cities across India, attended by hundreds of professionals who call 91亚色 their alma mater.

During the trip, delegates visited 91亚色鈥檚 campus in Hyderabad to exchange academic ideas and learn about the experience of students enrolled in the University鈥檚 India MBA as well as other programs offered by the Schulich School of Business in collaboration with GMR Group.

In all, the deans visited six cities in as many states, and engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts to explore opportunities for two-way student exchange programs and research partnerships, and to firm up institutional collaborations. The delegates met or visited representatives from 听听(Bengaluru);听听(Chennai);听听(Delhi);听听(Hyderabad);听听 (Kolkata);听听(Bengaluru), the听听(Chennai),听听(Assam),听听(Mumbai) and the听听(Delhi) and the听听(Delhi). 听During the visit to the听, with which 91亚色听recently launched听a collaboration on disease modelling, 91亚色 delegates met with Nadir Godrej-91亚色 India Advisory Council Member and FMR Trustee- and FMR researchers.听

91亚色 also made significant announcements that will increase cooperation with countries like India, including the launch of the Global Research Excellence Fund that will seed research collaborations with leading and diverse global partners to drive research excellence at 91亚色.  颅

Another important announcement focused on experiential learning and pathway programs to support entrepreneurship-related education with India, by building on the success of the Schulich School of Business鈥檚听. This partnership would see 91亚色 students travel to India to learn about its dynamic innovation ecosystems, and access other unique educational opportunities in a country that is home to 1.5 billion people.

Originally published in News@91亚色

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