October 25th, 2010
(Ottawa) –
Carleton University and the University of Central Asia (UCA) have established a partnership to pursue academic development and research, a move that will help public management training and socio-economic development in the mountainous societies of the former Soviet Union.
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, which supports sustainable improvement in the quality of life of marginalized communities in Asia and Africa, hosted the signing ceremony with Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte and Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko, Director General of the University of Central Asia.
Earlier this year, Carleton approved funding for two doctoral students to study towards a PhD at the university’s School of Public Policy and Administration over a period of four years. Upon graduation, the students will be offered teaching positions at the University of Central Asia, contributing to capacity-building in the area and a long-term relationship between the two universities.
“This collaboration draws on Carleton’s strengths in development and our expertise in training service professionals from developing countries in the areas of project management and evaluation,” says Dr. Runte.
“Our School of Public Policy and Administration has been very active in helping to build these kind of capacities around the world.”
“UCA will link one of the world’s most isolated areas with the global intellectual community to provide student-centered, innovative teaching and learning methods, and encourage critical thinking and leadership in its graduates,” says Dr. Krawchenko.
“Today, UCA is delighted to align with Carleton University as we endeavour to provide unprecedented opportunities for research, dialogue and inquiry on the economic and social development of Central Asia.”
Dr. Runte says Carleton is looking forward to training future faculty members of the University of Central Asia and extending collaboration to other areas, such as local economic development.
“We are indebted to the Aga Khan Development Network for its support and we hope this is the start of a long, fruitful relationship.”