Luanda: The US-based organization, Consortium for International Management, Policy, and Development (CIMPAD) has expressed interest in establishing a lasting partnership with Angola to boost academic exchange programs and scientific research. The intention was expressed on Friday in Luanda by the organization's president, Peggy Valentine, at the end of an audience granted by the Angolan President, Joo Louren§o.
According to Angola Press News Agency, during the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to strengthening university and scientific cooperation between CIMPAD and Angolan institutions. Peggy Valentine said the Angolan Head of State expressed interest in the work carried out by the organization in various African countries, focusing on strengthening higher education and creating international networks for knowledge sharing.
She said the meeting allowed her to present to President Joo Louren§o the trajectory of CIMPAD, which for about three decades has promoted academic cooperation programs, student exchange, and the development of joint initiatives between African and US universities. 'We shared the history of CIMPAD and the programs we have implemented in different African countries to support higher education, through the exchange of students, professors, ideas and academic programs,' she said.
The academic explained that the cooperation also covers virtual teaching, academic mobility and the deployment of professors for training activities and knowledge transfer, stressing that Angola occupies a special place in the organization's strategy, due to the country's potential and the progress made in the fields of education, science and technology. 'We care deeply about Angola and what is happening in the country. We consider ourselves brothers and sisters of the African peoples and feel a responsibility to continue contributing to the strengthening of higher education, scientific research and innovation,' she said.
The president of CIMPAD also announced the intention to continue working together with national institutions, including the Ministries of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Foreign Affairs, and Health. Peggy Valentine is part of a delegation of 36 American citizens, mostly of African descent, as well as representatives from eight African countries and one Brazilian participant, who are in Angola to participate in the 14th CIMPAD International Conference.
Organized in partnership with the Angolan government and the Ven Sncio de Moura Diplomatic Academy, the event takes place under the theme "Driving Progress: Leveraging Education, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Transformative and Resilient Development". The holding of the 14th CIMPAD International Conference in Luanda is seen as recognition of Angola's growing role in African debates on education, innovation, science and development.
