Partners

Bangladesh Open University (BOU), established in 1992, is the only institution in the country dedicated exclusively to distance education. As a public university, BOU delivers its educational programmes through the open and distance learning (ODL) mode, leveraging technology such as web radio, web TV, open educational resources (OER), and BOU Tube. The university extensively uses self-learning materials (SLMs), developed in-house following a distinct writing style, supported by technology-enhanced learning and face-to-face interactions at its widespread network of study centers across the country. BOU offers a wide range of programmes—from certificate to PhD through its six academic schools. Among them, the Open School provides pre-university programmes for school dropouts who, due to various socio-economic reasons, are unable to attend conventional schools. The university also offers niche programmes tailored for specific groups, such as members of the disciplined forces and non-resident Bangladeshis in the Middle East, South Korea, and Italy

"Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), established in 1961, is the country’s premier institution for higher education, research, and innovation in agriculture. Located on a scenic 1,200-acre campus along the old Brahmaputra River in Mymensingh, BAU comprises six faculties - Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology alongside five specialized institutes: Institute of Biotechnology, Institute of Environmental Science, Graduate Training Institute, Institute of Agribusiness and Development Studies, Interdisciplinary Institute of Food Security. With 54 academic departments, BAU serves as a vibrant hub for scientific advancement and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university is at the forefront of promoting smart agriculture, sustainability, and global food security. The university integrates emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and precision farming into modern agricultural practices. Its mission is to enhance the quality and standards of agricultural education and to produce skilled agriculturists, scientists, and researchers equipped to drive the nation’s agricultural development. BAU has highly qualified and experienced faculty and research staff conducting multidisciplinary research and teaching. BAU hosts a dynamic academic community of approximately 7,000 students and 600 faculty members, many of whom hold PhDs from leading institutions in Europe, the USA, Australia, Japan, and other developed countries. The university has a longstanding track record of high-impact research across disciplines such as dairy, poultry, fisheries, field crops, horticulture, agricultural economics, marketing, gender studies, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. Consistently ranked as the top university among Bangladesh's 150 public and private institutions, BAU plays a critical role in supplying the agricultural and agribusiness labor markets with qualified professionals, significantly contributing to national food and nutritional security. BAU’s research and development initiatives have been supported by prominent international donors and agencies, including USAID, the World Bank, USDA, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, DFID, the European Union, Danida, UKAID, and the Asian Development Bank. The university possesses extensive experience in farmer-participatory research, labor market assessments, agribusiness training, gender-sensitive evaluation, curriculum development, rural development, and climate change. BAU envisions becoming a world-class university by fostering strong partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector firms, donors, international research institutions, and universities. Through these collaborations, it aims to make a transformative impact on the agricultural development of Bangladesh and beyond. Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Email: [email protected]/ [email protected] "

Far Western University (FWU) is a prominent government-funded institution located in Mahendranagar, the administrative center of Kanchanpur District in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal. Established in 2010, the university aims to provide accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education to students in Nepal. It offers various academic programs across various faculties, including education, humanities, management, science, technology, engineering, Health Science, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, and Forestry. With its commitment to academic excellence and regional development, FWU is vital in fostering research, innovation, and community engagement in Nepal.

"Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) stands out for its historical legacy as one of Bangladesh's oldest institutions in agricultural education. Established in 1938 as the Bengal Agricultural Institute, it was transformed into a full-fledged university in 2001 and renamed Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Strategically located in the heart of Dhaka, SAU serves a dual mission: advancing rural agricultural development while also promoting urban farming initiatives. The university is renowned for its multidisciplinary orientation, research-driven focus, and strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. It comprises four faculties: Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Agribusiness and Management, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine Science, as well as two specialized institutions: the Institute of Seed Technology, the Institute of Food Safety, and an MS in Agricultural Journalism Programme. With a vibrant community of approximately 3,500 students and 380 faculty members, SAU has consistently contributed to national development by producing skilled graduates who excel across diverse sectors. The university aspires to become a national leader in higher education, particularly within the agricultural sector, through its integrated approach to education, research, and community engagement."

" Pokhara University (PU) was established in 1997 by the government of Nepal as an autonomous non-profit autonomous higher education institution. With over 39,000 students, PU is the second-largest university in Nepal in terms of the number of students. There are over 70 programs which run in 65 different higher education institutes (HEIs) under four faculties, namely 1) Health Sciences, 2) Science & Technology, 3) Management Studies, and 4) Humanities and Social Sciences. Among the 65 HEIs, four are the constituent schools, namely 1) School of Health and Allied Sciences, 2) School of Engineering, 3) School of Development and Social Engineering, and 4) School of Business) that are directly run by the PU itself and rest are PU affiliated independent institutions running privately or by the community. The four constituent schools share nearly 3,000 students from all four faculties. PU offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in health science, engineering, business, and development studies. The graduates of PU have a high rate of national and international employability. PU is dedicated to become a center of excellence for higher education by excelling teaching, learning, research, and innovation activities; contributing to the national development process by producing market-oriented, responsible, productive, service-oriented and committed human resources; and linking the university system with the national development services. PU has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with over 60 national and overseas universities and research institutions across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Pokhara University is also actively involved in multiple international consortia under the Erasmus+ program, many of which have already been accomplished."

The Health and Ageing Law Lab (HALL) is an interdisciplinary research group at the Faculty of Law and Criminology of Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The group investigates legal and regulatory frameworks on data protection and the rights of data subjects in healthcare contexts, analysing policies and current trends in health data governance, and exploring legal and ethical dimensions in the use of advanced healthcare technologies.

University of Peloponnese was established in 2000 in Tripolis, Greece, and comprises of 9 Schools, further divided into 22 Academic Departments, educating approximately 25,000 students. Its Schools are located in five major cities in the Peloponnese Region. UoP’s Schools include: Engineering; Agriculture and Food; Health Sciences; Economics and Technology; Business and Accounting; Social Sciences; Humanities; Fine Arts; Sports. UoP offers studies at all levels and types of learning: undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral (ISCED-6,7,8), as well as Vocational Education Training (VET) and adult Life Long Learning (LLL) options. UoP exploits the potentials offered by the existing legislation to encourage the scientific and research activity of teaching staff with the aim of strengthening the link between education and research. UoP has a long and successful tradition in designing, implementing and completing EU-funded projects such as Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Interreg, Programs of National Strategic Reference Framework, among others.

ReadLab Brussels is a development and research analysis organisation based in Brussels, Belgium. The organisation’s priority is to support formal and non-formal educational institutions across a wide range of fields through the provision of technical assistance. Its active engagement in educational initiatives has enabled ReadLab Brussels to achieve significant impact in the educational landscape, fostering inclusion, accessibility and growth.

"KMOP is one of oldest civil society organisations in Greece with 45 years of experience in direct provision of social services and implementation of social initiatives in supporting vulnerable individuals. KMOP studies and analyses pressing societal challenges in order to understand society, proposes innovative interventions, educates, and develops the know-how to address social issues based on fairness, innovation, sustainability and balanced development. It actively supports individuals and communities through the direct provision of social services and educational opportunities, the implementation of innovative initiatives, research and impactful policy design. The ultimate goal of KMOP to contribute to effective social-policy design and to lead impactful programmes that promote individual well-being, reduce inequalities, eliminate vulnerabilities, and foster inclusive and sustainable social growth. Aiming to promote social progress through education, KMOP Education Hub has developed a range of educational programmes for individuals and businesses, helping them to navigate their social ecosystem towards achieving their goals and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future."

Kathmandu University (KU) is a leading autonomous, not-for-profit public institution located in Dhulikhel, Nepal. Since its establishment in 1991, KU has been committed to developing leaders through excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The university offers a wide spectrum of academic programs through its seven schools: Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Management, Medical Sciences, and Science. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, KU is recognized for fostering a student-centered learning environment and contributing significantly to national and regional development. Its partnerships with global universities and active research culture place KU at the forefront of higher education in South Asia.