Meeting between RDRS, Uppsala University, Department of Government and Church of Sweden Uppsala, 3 May 2007
Participants:
Dr Sten Widmalm, Associate Professor-Department of Government Uppsala Universitet
Dr Syed Samsuzzaman, Director Livelihoods Programme - RDRS
Ms Sufia Nurani, Project Development Coordinator – RDRS
Ms Ingrid Bergenholm-England, Finance and Project Officer-Church of Sweden
Ms Eva Ekelund, Programme Officer, Latin America and Asia-Church of Sweden
Dr Samsuzzaman gave a presentation of RDRS’ main areas of work with particular focus on the social organisation programme.
Dr Widmalm gave a brief description of the international setting of the department of Government,
particularly the Masters programme in development studies and the ongoing colaboration with the
University of Hydrabad. The different possibilities for collaboration between the University and
RDRS were discussed. Dr Widmalm stressed the importance of having a concrete action plan before
entering in a memorandum of understanding with RDRS. Dr Widmalm further stressed that the Masters
programme is open to Bangladeshi students and that there could be a possible collaboration with Minor
Field Study students (undergraduate thesis). These students are funded by Sida, but Church of Sweden
were also asked to look into the possibility of looking for funding for Swedish and Bangladeshi
students who wish to do part of their course work or field work in Bangladesh or Sweden respectively.
Action points:
RDRS to draft an action plan for a future collaboration, possibly to be included in a future Memorandum of Understanding.
CoS to look into possibility of scholarships.
CoS to share a hard copy of the MoUs that RDRS has signed with other universities, with the Department of Government.
UU/Dept of Govt. to keep RDRS in mind when students are looking for study topics.
RDRS to contact the Department of Government when the proposed RDRS University has been instituted.
Cos will act as a focal point for future discussions and possible collaboration.
