SEI and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) recently signed a new scientific and technical collaboration agreement in Brussels. The agreement aims to further strengthen the interaction between science and policy in environmental research, creating opportunities for better policymaking and a more sustainable future.
Representatives from SEI and IRD, including Måns Nilsson, SEI Executive Director and Valérie Verdier, President and CEO of IRD, at the signing ceremony.
Photo: SEI and IRD.
The new collaboration builds on the past successes of SEI and IRD, aiming to establish a framework for cooperation, dialogue and exchange of information. This includes promoting and monitoring research activities, training and scientific information. Areas of focus will be agroecology, water management, climate change, biodiversity, air pollution and gender.
“The visions of IRD resonate with how SEI views and works with sustainable development. SEI shares similar ethos on how to work with sustainable development, based on action-oriented research and long-term partnerships with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America,” said Måns Nilsson, SEI Executive Director.
The agreement seeks to achieve several key objectives:
SEI’s mission is to bring about change for sustainable development by bridging science and policy through the provision of integrated analysis that supports decision-makers. This goes hand in hand with IRD’s mission, to promote and carry out scientific research in France and abroad, that aims to help economic, social and cultural progress in low- and middle-income countries.
IRD’s collaboration with SEI is highly appreciated.
Valérie Verdier, President and CEO of IRD
SEI is a founding member of the European Research Alliance for Sustainable Development (ERASuD), and the establishment of this new alliance marked the first initiative under the collaboration agreement. The alliance aims to engage with the EU Commission, Parliament, Council, and member states to ensure that EU research, development policies, and programs effectively address the aspirations of partners from low- and middle-income countries.
“SEI has played an instrumental role in the process of setting up the ERASuD alliance and is expected to continue playing this role in taking the activities of the alliance forward,” said Vincent Fautrel, IRD Representative to the EU.
The collaboration also aims to deliver improved communication strategies, organize joint seminars, and further promote strategic research partnerships. SEI’s research centres in Asia, Africa and Latin America serve as platforms for action-oriented research, working closely with national and local communities.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be part of the ERASuD alliance. The alliance is a perfect match and links with SEI’s research performed at our centres in Africa, Latin America, and Asia,” said Måns Nilsson, SEI Executive Director.
For example, SEI Asia, based in Bangkok, recently celebrated 20 years since its establishment by hosting the Mekong Environmental Resilience Week 2024. In partnership with Chulalongkorn University’s Social Research Institute and supported by the governments of Australia and Sweden, the event highlighted research on climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, water insecurity, and sustainable finance for policymakers, researchers, civil society, and development practitioners from across the Mekong subregion and Southeast Asia. A delegation from Chulalongkorn University was present at the launch ceremony. Unruan Leknoi, the Director of Social Research Institute at Chulalongkorn University stated “one of the strong points of our institute is our collaboration with SEI.”
SEI Africa, based in Nairobi and hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre, collaborates with African governments, organizations, and networks, acting as a hub for SEI’s engagement across the continent. SEI Africa’s research focuses on four key areas: energy and climate; natural resources and ecosystems; sustainable urbanization; and health and environment. For instance, SEI Africa collaborates with the UN Environment Programme, the Government of Kenya, and Athletics Kenya to develop methods for measuring and reducing air pollution.
SEI Latin America, based in Bogotá, focuses on the profound transformations that are under way in the region. Colombia is an ideal location for investigating the connections between environmental management and development in the post-conflict era, and for sharing insights on land use, air quality, water resources and ecosystems across the region.
The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) organizes its collaborations through a network of French regional delegations and representatives abroad. Working with partners in France and developing countries, IRD bridges barriers between disciplines and between fundamental and applied sciences. It champions an original model of equitable scientific partnership and interdisciplinary, citizen-driven sustainability science, committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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