Memorandum of Understanding advances human development, global health, social justice and pluralism.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 18 October 2018 – University of Calgary President Elizabeth Cannon and Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate international co-operation toward advancements in human development, global health, social justice and pluralism.

“The world has never been more diverse or interconnected, and the right response to such a world is to reach out across borders to learn from one another, to generate new knowledge together, and to collaborate in tackling crucial challenges and ultimately improving the quality of life of those in need,“ said Rasul Firoz.

“This agreement builds on a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership and lays the path forward to continued leadership and impact for many years to come,” said Dr. Cannon. “Both of our universities are committed to higher education and research that benefits the world, and we want to serve our communities as leaders, innovators and key contributors”.

The partnership promotes knowledge sharing, education and research collaborations, student internships and faculty exchanges in diverse areas. Past and present collaborations have included initiatives and programmes with the faculties of nursing, arts, graduate studies, the Cumming School of Medicine and the Werklund School of Education.

Through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (QES) programmes, for example, the Faculty of Nursing has worked closely with the Aga Khan University to provide immersive academic and research experiences to University of Calgary students and scholars throughout Aga Khan University campuses and related communities in Kenya, Uganda and Pakistan.

“My QES internship in Uganda helped me realise the importance of working with the clients you assist to create goals which are sustainable and build capacity. It made me realise the privileges we have in Canada, and the importance of creating equity to create a better world for all,” said Nilufer Hasanova, QES scholar and graduate of the Faculty of Nursing.

Working together with peers and colleagues on issues related to human development, University of Calgary and Aga Khan University students learn how to become international development leaders and contribute to solutions for global development.

Faculty members have opportunities to engage in collaborative research projects that address health and education challenges in South and Central Asia and Africa.

Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dru Marshall will be available for media inquiries on Friday 19 October 2018.

Media Contact:

Betty Rice
Media Relations
University of Calgary
T: 403-220-7920
C: 403-617-6290
Email: bwrice@ucalgary.ca

NOTES

The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programmes made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognised as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with University of Calgary news headlines on Twitter @UCalgary. For details on faculties and how to reach experts go to our media centre at ucalgary.ca/mediacentre

The Aga Khan University empowers the people of the developing world with the knowledge and skills to realise their highest goals. We provide a transformative education that prepares our graduates for local and global leadership. We generate solutions to problems that affect millions of people through pioneering research. We strive to achieve world-class excellence, inspiring individuals and institutions to meet the highest standards. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, we serve the disadvantaged and work where the need is greatest. Together with our partners, AKU builds bridges across borders and boundaries of all kinds, recognising that humanity’s diversity is one of its greatest assets. For more information, visit aku.edu.

Please note:
If you receive media inquiries that are better handled on the Aga Khan University side, please forward to:

Brian Peterson
Chief Communications Officer
Aga Khan University
brian.peterson@aku.edu
Office/mobile: 1.407.492.8985
Skype: rocktheglobe9500
www.aku.edu