The American University of Sharjah (AUS) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) in Waterloo, Canada, on Thursday at the AUS campus.
The primary goal of this collaboration is to strengthen cooperation in the fields of international studies, global governance, and transnational diplomacy, according to WAM.
As per the agreement, both institutions will collaboratively undertake research, development, and initiatives to provide students with dynamic international academic and experiential learning opportunities.
The partnership aims to facilitate discussions on potential joint degree programs, organise mutual events such as workshops, symposiums, and short-term executive courses, seek faculty exchange, and explore various areas of collaboration, particularly focusing on the GCC.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr. Ann Fitz-Gerald, Director of BSIA, in the presence of Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, and other officials from both institutions.
Dr. Laursen stated, “The collaboration agreement with BSIA is a significant step towards enriching the educational experience for our students, particularly those majoring in international studies at the graduate and undergraduate levels in our College of Arts and Sciences.”
BSIA, an institute for advanced research, education, and outreach in global governance and international public policy, is an equal collaboration among the Centre for International Governance Innovation, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Dr. Fitz-Gerald commented, “With both institutions focused on future-oriented approaches towards the study of international affairs, we look forward to collaborating on research and teaching strengths to create innovative and impactful outcomes.”
