Institutional cooperation: Framework agreements between the Indian Ocean Commission and universities
According to Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, education is a powerful lever for individual and professional success. It is the foundation for social development and influences a nation’s economic growth. To this end, the Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Commission is establishing framework agreements with the region’s universities. This cooperation aims to promote high-quality and effective education systems throughout the Indian Ocean.
Promoting education and training
Three framework agreements have been signed between the IOC and universities in the Indian Ocean region. The first was signed with the University of Reunion on 26 November 2021 in Moca. This event marked the launch of the Regional Exchange University Indian Ocean mobility program under the auspices of the IOC. This program facilitates exchanges between countries in the Indian Ocean region and La Réunion and enhances the skills of participants. The second agreement was signed under the aegis of the IOC with UniSey (University of Seychelles) on 8 July 2022 in Anse Royale. The third agreement was signed with the University of Technology of Mauritius on 4 August 2023. Other agreements with universities in Madagascar and Comoros are currently being developed and implemented.
The framework agreement between the IOC and Indian Ocean universities aims to enrich vocational and academic training. This partnership strengthens research and training and promotes the economic development of the region through innovative initiatives. Following the formal establishment of the partnership, the IOC is looking for innovative projects in key sectors. These include environment, biodiversity, blue economy, health, food security, education, human sciences, sustainable development, climate change and renewable energy, climate change and renewable energy. Proposals to strengthen existing training collaborations, for example in the water sector with Malagasy and Mauritian institutions, are also welcome.
Strategic cooperation for wider networks
The signing of the protocol also encourages cooperation that is open to the ideas of colleagues from the Indian Ocean, including professors, experts, and researchers. The partner universities can also submit research and innovation projects, such as the « Health, Biodiversity and Global Change » project, in collaboration with major research organizations such as CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, and Inserm.
The IOC oversees several projects that involve collaboration among researchers, with the active participation of university students. The framework agreement allows the university partners to present their students. In return, these universities offer their scientific and technical expertise in common areas.
It should be noted that the universities are also looking for mobility, inter-university cooperation, and economic or educational partnerships. The agreement proposed by the Indian Ocean Commission promotes enhanced cooperation by involving universities more effectively. This partnership improves educational links, expands the regional network of universities, and strengthens links with training institutions.
