The National University (NU), the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) and US-based technology and skills development organisation CodersTrust will work together to create employment opportunities for students of NU-affiliated colleges and strengthen research activities.
A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed among the three institutions at the Trump Centre in New York, the United States, on Thursday, said a PID handout.
NU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, Academic Coordinator of the University for Peace Professor Mihir Kanade and CodersTrust Co-founder and Chairman Aziz Ahmad signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
Under the agreement, various programmes will be undertaken to develop digital skills, provide employment-oriented training, promote peace education and enhance professional development opportunities for students and teachers of NU-affiliated colleges.
The programmes are planned to be conducted online, offline and through blended learning methods.
Training will cover areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, web and software development, digital marketing, data management, freelancing and entrepreneurship development.
Special emphasis will also be placed on career counselling, acquiring workplace-ready skills and creating opportunities for students to enter professional careers.
The National University will provide institutional support by utilising its network of affiliated colleges to reach students, teachers and graduates with these programmes.
The University for Peace will contribute academic expertise, trainers and learning materials on peace education, conflict resolution, human rights and sustainable development.
The collaboration also envisages introducing short-term, professional and certificate-based courses combining digital skills, developing curricula, conducting joint research and exchanging academic and research-related information.
International conferences, workshops and other academic activities will also be organised under the partnership.
A key aspect of the MoU is teacher training and capacity development. Through this initiative, teachers of the National University and its affiliated colleges will have opportunities to acquire modern digital skills and incorporate peace education, human rights and conflict resolution into teaching and curricula.
The three institutions expect the initiative to contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16).
The University for Peace, established through an initiative of the United Nations General Assembly, is a Costa Rica-based international higher education and research institution. Bangladesh is one of its signatories. The institution works on education and research in peace, conflict resolution and sustainable development.