The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in the area of research, education, staff learning exchanges, joint conferences, and dialogue to sustainability and the environment.
This occurred during a brief ceremony at NDPC’s mini conference room in Accra. The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, endorsed it for his organization, while the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, signed for the University. It was witnessed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of the University, as well as the Acting Director of Development Policy & Planning and the Senior Planning Analyst of NDPC.
In his remarks, Dr. Mensah-Abrampa stated that the Commission has collaborated with various academic institutions over the years, but UESD is one of the youngest universities it has entered into an agreement with. He noted that as an organization responsible for formulating the national development policy framework, the Commission is at a pivotal point in building and managing the vision of the country, which requires a significant amount of information and data. The Commission relies on academic institutions for this purpose.
The Director-General also stated that the area of environment and sustainable development is central to the sustainable development process and has become a new focus of academic work, even though it has always been important. Many new concepts and ideas are emerging, so there is a need to stay informed to effectively move these concepts forward and influence policy. He mentioned that one of the initiatives highlighted in the Commission’s long-term plan, which will be launched soon, is aimed at exploring ways to make various sectors complement each other.
Dr. Mensah-Abrampa concluded by expressing excitement about the collaboration between UESD and NDPC. He particularly expressed interest in UESD’s Community Development Challenge (CDC) and conveyed optimism that the partnership will be operationalized and beneficial to both teams.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson, mentioned that as a young university, UESD aims to be an institution that belongs to everyone, Therefore, ‘’we seek partners with whom we can effectively collaborate.’’
He indicated that since UESD started operations about four years ago, it has been scouting for institutions that share a similar mandate to collaborate with and advance the University’s agenda. The MoU with NDPC will be the fortieth (40th) agreement it has signed with both internal and external institutions. He continued that knowing NDPC is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the reason the University sought to partner with NDPC.
Regarding the operationalization of the MoU, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted that UESD holds two international conferences annually: the Stakeholder Roundtable Conference, which raises awareness on environmental issues and the green environment, and the Sustainable Development Conference, where various environmental topics are discussed. The NDPC can count on the University to ensure this partnership is successfully operationalised.
Present were: Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah and Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong of UESD and Snr. Planning Analyst, Mr.Daniel Amofo and Ag. Director, Development Policy and Planning, Mrs Alice Amekudzi both of the NDPC.