A delegation from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Ghana, has concluded a week-long exchange visit to the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS), Germany, under the auspices of the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Program. The visit, which took place from April 13 to April 19, 2025, aimed to strengthen academic collaboration, build research capacity, and further develop institutional partnerships between the two universities. The staff were Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah (Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor) and Dr. Nathaniel N.D. Annorbah (Ag. HoD, Department of Biological Science).
The mobility programme was hosted by the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) at H-BRS and featured a comprehensive itinerary designed to facilitate professional development, institutional learning, and mutual exchange. This initiative also marks a milestone in the growing relationship between UESD and H-BRS, rooted in the INTERFACES project—an international platform for sustainable land management in Africa—and formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024.
In her welcome address, Prof. Dr Wiltrud Terlau, a Director of the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE), Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences expressed her happiness for this exchange. She stated that ‘It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, and more specifically to the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE), as we begin this important and exciting mobility program’.
She said the week marks a special milestone in our growing collaboration with the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Ghana—one that is built not only on shared academic interests but also on a mutual commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and global partnership. She was especially proud that this engagement is rooted in the INTERFACES project, a truly international platform aimed at enhancing sustainable land management across Africa, and further strengthened by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between our institutions in 2024.
Discussions with the Vice President for International Affairs and Digital Transformation, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Prof. Dr. Wiltrud Terlau further mentioned that the itinerary designed was more than a schedule of meetings and lectures—but a platform for exchange, a space for inspiration, and a step toward building lasting networks of cooperation. ‘We hope that this experience offers each of you the opportunity to share your insights, learn from one another, and develop practical strategies that you can carry back to your institutions and communities’, she emphasised. The Professor further stated that ‘at IZNE, we strongly believe that sustainable development is not achieved in isolation. It thrives on partnerships, dialogue, and the courage to challenge conventional ways of thinking. It is in this spirit that we welcome you—not just as guests, but as partners in co-creating knowledge for a better, more sustainable future. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to a fruitful and memorable week together’.
In response, Professor Edward Wiafe, on behalf of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, expressed sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and thoughtful reception extended to them at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg.
‘We are truly honoured to be part of this mobility program and to deepen our engagement under the INTERFACES project. Your efforts in curating such a comprehensive and forward-looking program are deeply commendable, and we are excited about the learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange that this week promises’.
He further stated that this initiative stands as a powerful example of what is possible when institutions share a common vision for sustainability, capacity building, and inclusive development. ‘We are proud of the partnership between UESD and H-BRS, and we look forward to many more joint successes’. He thanked them for their hospitality and unwavering commitment to collaborative growth
Strengthening Capacity in Research Proposal Writing
Central to the exchange visit was a focused staff training on research proposal writing, held on April 14 and 15 at the H-BRS Sankt Augustin campus. Led by experts Dr. Eefje Aarnoudse and Dr. Fischer Silvia Berenice, the session provided in-depth guidance on structuring competitive proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and aligning research themes with global development priorities. UESD staff were engaged in interactive sessions, working on draft proposals and receiving real-time feedback from facilitators.
Deepening Collaborative Efforts through Knowledge Sharing
The opening day, April 14, featured a warm welcome by the International Office and IZNE staff, followed by a guided tour of H-BRS departments and facilities. This initial interaction provided insight into the university’s academic structure, sustainability programs, and internationalisation agenda. Paulina Hinz also welcomed the Ghanaian delegation.
On April 16, the program focused on administrative and digital tools for supporting the academic collaboration. UESD staff participated in discussions on managing the E-Certificate in Research and Innovation for Sustainable Land Management in Africa—a joint initiative already underway between the institutions under the INTERFACES umbrella. The team also explored the One Button Record Studio, where they contributed to producing video content for the E-certificate programme.
In the evening, participants visited the SAVE LAND Art Exhibition at the Art and Exhibition Hall in Bonn, followed by a networking dinner. The cultural excursion provided a unique lens into Germany’s environmental art and awareness landscape, strengthening bonds between colleagues through informal exchange. This visit was led by Monalisa Maremba, an intern at IZNE who is currently helping with the management of the INTERFACES E-Certificate programme.
UESD and IZNE teams at the SAVE LAND Art Exhibition
April 17 was designated as an open day, allowing participants to engage in self-directed learning, explore potential partnerships, and pursue informal consultations. On April 18, the delegation joined an all-day excursion that further fostered cross-cultural understanding and deepened appreciation for Germany’s environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Looking Forward: Expanding Horizons for Collaboration
The exchange visit was not only an avenue for capacity building but also a platform to reaffirm the shared vision of UESD and H-BRS to promote sustainable development through interdisciplinary education and applied research. Discussions throughout the visit emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, mutual learning, and joint proposal development.
Speaking at the close of the visit, representatives from both universities expressed their commitment to exploring new avenues of cooperation, including student exchanges, co-publications, and further development of joint certification programsme.
The UESD delegation expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generous hospitality and organisation of their hosts. With the support of the Erasmus+ program and a growing partnership network, both institutions look forward to contributing meaningfully to sustainable land management and environmental stewardship across Africa and beyond.