On Monday 31st October, Agrinatura represented by Dr. Tereza Slámová hosted at Czech University of LifeSciences, Prague (CZU) was invited to participate in the workshop focusing on support of the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening partnership with European Universities. Within the workshop called “Strengthening research and education capacities through international partnerships follow-up of EU perspectives and experiences towards SDG’s” at Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh (RUA), Cambodia the high-level research and education activities implemented at European universities focused on tropical and subtropical agriculture and follow up on EU perspectives and experiences towards SDG’s were presented.
The main goal of the workshop was to introduce participants to the high-level research and education activities implemented at European universities focused on tropical and subtropical agriculture, organic agriculture, forestry, food security and human nutrition, veterinary medicine, fisheries and related environmental sciences. The key aspects of research and education activities targeted to contribute to the Agenda 2023 and Sustainable development goals were shared. The practical examples of good practice and the lessons learned from various projects were presented.
The workshop also included the discussion part underlying the perspective of Cambodian partners, their experience and ideas for future cooperation.
The first part of the event started by the overview of the collaboration and background of the partnership between Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague (CZU), Czech Development Agency (CDA) and Royal Agriculture University (RUA). Within this partnerships multiple Capacity Building and ERAMUS+ projects were developed (e.g., SIMPLE) noted Dr. Kimchhin Sok (dean of faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development).
Further keynote speech given by the Vice Rector (RUA) Dr. Ok Savin highlighted the importance of Agenda 2030 and SDG’s and mentioned development of RUA strategy towards 2030 with the aim of reaching the international standards. As a main target goals, she mentioned SGD 1 (reduction of poverty) and 13 (climate actions). Other than SDG’s Dr. Ok mentioned need of targeting demining activities and agro-industrial connection. Next the perspectives and experiences of the international organization Agrinatura – the European Alliance on Agricultural Knowledge for Development were presented. Dr. Slámová mentioned on examples of various activities particular sustainable development goals targeted within the Agrinatura projects. After coffee break Dr. Unang Mulkhan, Department of Business Administration from Lampung University, Indonesia presented the case of Indonesia towards sustainable development through the circular economy. As an example, he highlighted the cassava production plants. The morning session continued by the presentations on research agenda, research outcomes and future perspectives towards SDG’s from dean of faculty of forestry – Mr. Soben Kim, dean of faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture – Dr. Pengbun Ngor and dean of faculty of Agricultural Economics and Aquaculture – Dr. Kimchhin Sok.
Afternoon program was dedicated to the discussion on future collaboration after long period of COVID-19 pandemics. Reflection on past experience in projects and development of new project ideas.
With the attendance of more than 50 participants from among academic staff as well as students we believe that the workshop had significant impact and with the follow-up discussions we will continue with our partnership towards the sustainable development.