On Wednesday, 10 June, Paderborn University signed a cooperation agreement with the Université Général Lansana Conté de Sonfonia (UGLC) in Conakry, Guinea. This marks the launch of a new structured student exchange programme between the two institutions. It promotes internationalisation, intercultural exchange, academic mobility, and international cooperation between Germany and Guinea, particularly in the fields of economics and sustainable development.
In addition to University President Prof Dr Matthias Bauer, Dr Facinet Conté, Secretary General of the Guinean Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MESRSI), also participated in the signing ceremony. Prof Dr Thomas Gries and Dr Youssouf Sangare from the Chair of International Macroeconomics at Paderborn University were also present at the meeting, as they were the initiators of the exchange programme.
The partnership aims to establish long-term academic cooperation, with the initial focus on exchange opportunities for undergraduate students in Business Administration and Economics . Up to five undergraduate students per academic year can spend a semester abroad. “The signing of the cooperation agreement marks the start of an international collaboration that opens up many opportunities. We can now begin with student exchanges in the field of Business Administration and Economics, but our shared commitment to sustainable development and academic research naturally allows for broader and more far-reaching plans. The first step has been taken and I look forward to the next ones,” says Prof Bauer.
The visit to Paderborn, which lasted several days, also included meetings with faculty members, department coordinators, and the International Office to discuss the implementation of the exchange programme, student mobility procedures, and future research collaborations. The agreement, which is initially valid for five years, reflects Paderborn University’s commitment to strengthening academic cooperation with African universities and preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.
This text was translated automatically.
