Since 2017, our University has been part of the University Coordination for Development Cooperation (CUCS).
The CUCS network, also promoted by the CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors), includes more than 50 Italian universities. It is a tool to coordinate the activities of the academic community on the issue of sustainable development cooperation.
The CUCS aims to:
1) enhance the field of Development Cooperation within universities;
2) become a leading interlocutor in the academic world on cooperation issues with civil society and institutional world at both national and international levels to develop fruitful relationships and facilitate processes;
3) strengthen the sharing of experience, knowledge and skills.
The CUCS was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Rectors of the member universities, and is open to all universities that share its objectives. The CUCS Council is composed of the Development Cooperation Delegate appointed by each University that has signed the membership agreement.
Activities
Meetings
Every two years, there are opportunities for dialogue and exchange, aimed at sharing knowledge and enhancing practices and expertise, and promoting and implement strategies, policies, actions based on the three pillars of the university mission: research, education, and third mission, to “strengthen the means of implementation and renew the global partnership for sustainable development.” (2030 Agenda)
Development Cooperation Projects
The CUCS acts as a catalyst, facilitating the collaboration among university partners to develop projects based on a network-based working method, involving universities and other stakeholders in the field of university cooperation.
UNIPI-CUCS collaborative projects:
- Partnership for Knowledge (PfK): an initiative funded by AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation) with the aim of providing opportunities for researchers, public administration staff, social enterprises and young leaders to develop academic and professional skills, build capacities, expand networks, make a difference in their fields and experience Italian culture.
- UNITAFRICA Project: “Empowering the academic cooperation between Italy and Africa for fostering the quality and effectiveness of the higher education system in a mutual learning environment”: funded under the MUR call for the development of Transnational Educational Initiatives – TNE, UNITAFRICA aims to promote joint training, research and international academic cooperation with universities in Africa (the partnership includes 21 Italian universities and 93 African universities, located in 18 different countries).
Working Groups on specific topics
The activities of the CUCS network are organised by etablishing Working Groups (WGs) aimed at supporting students, lecturers and researchers with regard to mobility safety in international cooperation projects and generally in critical contexts. Working Groups involve both delegates for cooperation (CUCS delegates) and, in general, lecturers and researchers from the member universities interested in the specific topics addressed by the group.
CUCS contact persons at the University:
Prof. Giovanni Federico Gronchi
Dr. Tommaso Salamone
For more information: programmi.internazionali@unipi.it
