Inauguration of the CIVIS Forum in Casablanca
The first edition of the CIVIS Forum for Africa-Europe dedicated to research and education commenced its sessions on Wednesday at Hassan II University in Casablanca. This significant event brought together a diverse group of researchers, academics, and institutional leaders from both Africa and Europe, emphasizing the growing collaboration in higher education and research.
Running until March 27, this forum is part of the CIVIS Alliance, an academic network that includes 11 European universities and six associated African partners. Its primary aim is to strengthen the connections between the two continents in areas of research and higher education, fostering an environment conducive to collaborative efforts and shared knowledge.
Fostering Dialogue and Co-Construction
Under the banner of dialogue and co-construction, the forum seeks to develop coordinated responses to pressing global challenges, particularly in sectors such as global health, climate change, digital transformation, and social transformations. Houssine Azeddoug, the university president, highlighted that hosting this forum in Morocco is a testament to the institution's commitment to international openness and reinforcing Euro-African partnerships.
He emphasized the university's goal of becoming a hub for knowledge convergence, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and scientific co-production to address societal challenges. Stefan Lang, the Secretary General of the CIVIS Alliance, remarked that this forum represents a pivotal step in solidifying academic partnerships founded on transdisciplinarity and shared expertise. He noted that this initiative aims to cultivate a common vision regarding global challenges by celebrating diverse scientific and cultural approaches in a complementary spirit.
Mustapha Lkhider, the university's Vice-President for Research, elaborated on the forum's focus areas, which include environment, health, technology, and social changes. Nearly 200 participants, primarily researchers from African and European universities, are contributing to this dialogue. The forum's program features interactive formats, such as round tables, thematic discussions, and presentations of research work, facilitating exchanges between academic actors and civil society representatives.
This inaugural edition will also see the signing of an African Research Charter aimed at promoting a model of scientific collaboration based on co-creation, reinforcing Africa's role in the global knowledge production landscape.
As reported by lnt.ma.
