With emerging technologies that are paradoxically encouraging behavioural shifts and necessitating new approaches, structures, and organisational models, the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani on Friday January 13, 2023 entered into an agreement with the Digital Belt and Road Programme (DBAR) in Beijing, China to establish an International Centre of Excellence (ICoE) in the University.
The Centre shall focus on the utilization of digital technology such as big data for solutions to regional and global sustainability challenges, which is committed to supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. DBAR is engaging the University through joint research and capacity development activities, exchange programmes towards innovative use of big data and earth observation science and technology for integrity in local and international policies as well as to serve as a decision support system.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako leading UENR to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) via zoom at the Council Chamber of UENR, expressed his happiness for the relationship being created between the two institutions. Speaking further on UENR’s capacity to host the Centre, the VC noted that the University has the requisite staff and expertise to jointly work with the partner institution (DBAR) to achieve the centre’s mandate. He pledged Management’s support to strengthen and sustain the relationship between both institutions for long term goals.
The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor John K. M. Kuwornu who facilitated the UENR side, mentioned he was positive that the Centre will spearhead novel ideas for training of students and faculty. He said the main focus of the University is to train manpower in the area of energy and natural resources policies.
Giving his comments on the partnership, the Dean of International Relations Office, Prof. Amos T. Kabobah disclosed that the University is already working closely with the Ghana Statistical Service to build the capacity of data. He, thus noted that the collaboration with DBAR is timely and was hopeful that it will be mutually beneficial to both institutions and largely to the countries.
The Chairperson of DBAR, Professor GUO Huadong before signing the MoU made it known that the programme will be beneficial to the University and the country at large because it will facilitate training and activities for students.
Also present were the Registrar, Solomon Panford,Esq.,APR; Dean-School of Science, Prof. Samuel F. Gyasi; the Head, Department of Computer Science and Informatics, Dr. Peter Appiahene; the Deputy Registrar/Head, University Relations Office, Mr. Hayford Asare and Ms. Joy Sarkodie Addo, Legal Office.
