LUCE is responsible for sub-goal 3.1. in Lund University’s Action Plan for Internationalisation – “draw up a proposal for how the University is to promote professional development of change agents in Sweden’s partner countries”. With the workshop we wanted to provide an insight into how the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Swedish Institute work on capacity-building strategy at national level as well as gathering different representatives within LU who work and have worked on professional development of change agents in order to share experiences and look forward.

Many teaching staff members and researchers from a number of different departments took part and contributed with presentations and reflections, which shows a considerable interest and engagement in the issue. SIDA and the Swedish Institute were also represented among the participants and pro vice-chancellor Per Mickwitz opened the session about the University’s role.

Group discussions form the basis for future LU strategy

The group discussions on various issues that concluded the workshop will form the basis for a future strategy for how Lund University can promote professional development of change agents in Sweden’s partner countries and in the long run contribute to increased project funding.

“It was clear during the afternoon discussions that there is a considerable need to meet, share experiences and discuss these issues. Now the work continues with the development of a strategy and that will be very exciting”, says Maria Flores, LUCE group manager and the workshop’s moderator.