New perspectives for academic cooperation between SGGW and Bangladesh

Representing SGGW at the meeting were Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW, and Professor Marta Mendel, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was represented by Chargé d’Affaires Kazi Muntashir Murshed and First Secretary Biswajit Debnath.

The discussions focused on opportunities to develop academic relations between the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and Bangladesh Agricultural University, one of the leading universities in Bangladesh educating specialists in agricultural and life sciences. The participants identified several areas that could form the basis for a future partnership.

Student and academic staff mobility. Student exchanges would provide opportunities to gain educational experience in an international environment, become familiar with different education systems and develop intercultural competencies. Academic staff mobility, in turn, would foster the exchange of knowledge, teaching experience and best practices, while also facilitating direct contacts between research teams at both universities.

Another topic discussed was joint research projects. Potential cooperation between researchers from SGGW and Bangladesh Agricultural University could address issues of importance to contemporary agriculture, life sciences and rural development.

The participants also explored the possibility of organising a summer school. This type of initiative would enable students from both universities to take part in intensive educational programmes combining lectures, workshops and practical sessions. It would also provide an opportunity to showcase the universities’ research and teaching achievements, explore the specific characteristics of agriculture and the socio-economic conditions of both countries, and build lasting relationships among participants.

Developing cooperation with universities from different regions of the world is an important part of SGGW’s internationalisation strategy. Establishing partnerships with academic institutions in Asia helps expand the university’s international network, create new opportunities for education and research, and strengthen SGGW’s participation in the global exchange of knowledge and experience. Particular importance is attached to fostering long-term partnerships that bring benefits to both students and academic staff.