In order to continue and to deepen the relations build up during the VLIR-UOS IUC program involving several faculties, research groups and research centers at Ghent University and at the University of the Western Cape, both institutions wish to continue to develop the achieved results by engaging in a Strategic Institutional Partnership (SIP) Agreement for long term educational and research cooperation within the framework and overall objectives of the Global Minds Programme of VLIR-UOS in general and of Ghent University more specifically (see http://www.vliruos.be).

The two institutions deem it mutually beneficial to strengthen the bonds between the two academic communities and to contribute to a greater understanding and communication between their social, cultural, academic and scientific contexts. They recognize the importance for both institutions to continue to work together to strengthen their mutual research and education capacity in particular among young researchers and staff with respect to North/South collaboration in research, education and the social valorization of knowledge.

The central topic of this collaboration is “Turning Diversity into Capacity”.

The Rectors of both institutions hereby affirm their intent to promote educational, academic and scientific exchanges to include, but not be limited to:

- Joint PhD education and research collaboration, within the bilateral framework agreement for joint PhD’s;

- Exchange of students for study, working progressively towards the exchange of academic modules and courses and the development of Joint Master Degrees;

- Exchange of students, academic staff and research assistants for the purpose of research, study and teaching providing a balance between the two institutions and committing to reciprocal assistance for visiting academic staff and students;