Bonn/Flensburg, 16/10/2024: On October 8, 2024, the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) held a DIES event in Bonn entitled “Between capacity building and promoting excellence – How do we design holistic strategies for partnership-based cooperation with the Global South?”. This event was an important milestone for international cooperation between German universities and partner institutions in the Global South. Professor Dr. Kay Pfaffenberger from Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS) and the Centre for Business and Technology in Africa (CBTA) took part in the panel discussion as one of the main representatives and was the only representative of a university of applied sciences on the panel.
Lively discussion and positive feedback
The discussions on the podium were intensive and very well moderated by science journalist Dr. Jan-Martin Wiarda. In addition to Pfaffenberger, other top-class experts such as Prof. Dr. Verena Blechinger-Talcott (FU Berlin) and Prof. Dr. Andreas Mehler (Arnold Bergstraesser Institute at University Freiburg). Unfortunately, Dr. Christina Norwig from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) was sick, but Dr. Erik Hansalek (BMBF) could categorize and clarify some statements.
Prof. Pfaffenberger emphasized the importance of universities of applied sciences taking a more active role in international cooperation. This was positively received by the participants, especially the initiative of the HAWs (Universities of Applied Sciences) in Africa. It was a sign that the CBTA and FUAS enjoy a high level of recognition in the international higher education landscape.
Conditions for successful cooperation
The panel discussion focused on the question of what conditions are necessary for successful partnership-based cooperation between German universities and the Global South. Three key success factors were emphasized:
Support from university management
A central point was the need for the university management of the participating institutions to actively promote cooperation. Without backing at the highest level, it is difficult to establish sustainable and effective partnerships.
Appreciation and cooperation between all partners
The importance of equal cooperation between all partners involved in the process was pointed out repeatedly. This means not only close cooperation between the universities, but also the involvement of external funding institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the BMBF and international organizations.
Overcoming departmental thinking among funding bodies
Another obstacle that needs to be overcome is the common lack of interaction between the various ministries and funding institutions. The discussion emphasized the need for the BMBF, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) to better coordinate their funding programmes in order to create synergies and strengthen cooperation.
Outlook and significance
The event was not only a success for the participating organizations, but also a distinction for the CBTA and FUAS. The initiative of the universities of applied sciences in Africa was very positively received by the partners and sponsors present, which is a strong signal for future cooperation. It is to be hoped that the conditions for success developed there will become the basis for many successful partnerships. The dialog between German universities and the Global South is gaining in importance and that with the right support and open, partnership-based cooperation, forward-looking projects can be created.
The CBTA would like to thank the organizers of the German Rectors’ Conference for this successful event and the excellent organization.