UG, European Chamber sign historic MoU to launch Global Exchange Initiative

… VC says initiative “will open countless doors for students to gain international experience, develop workforce-ready skills, and immerse themselves in new cultures”

The University of Guyana (UG) and the European Chamber of Commerce (Guyana), last Wednesday (July 2, 2025), signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding paving the way for a transformative Global Exchange Initiative (GEI), which will provide UG students with unparalleled opportunities for international internships, academic mobility, and cultural exchange across Europe.

The agreement also facilitates reciprocal visits by faculty and students, as well as international capacity-building opportunities for European educational institutions.

The historic signing, which took place in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at UG’s Turkeyen Campus, signifies a major step in UG’s commitment to equipping students with global competencies and enhancing their readiness for the international workforce.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin who executed the agreement, which was negotiated by DVC for Institutional Advancement, Dr Melissa Ifill expressed her excitement about the partnership, highlighting its groundbreaking nature. The VC said: “This is the first time the University of Guyana is signing a MoU with an International Chamber of Commerce—anywhere. It’s an extraordinary moment, and one that I believe will open countless doors for our students to gain international experience, develop workforce-ready skills, and immerse themselves in new cultures.”

“This partnership comes at a critical time in UG’s development. It supports our vision of matching our students’ academic training with real-world, global exposure, just as students in developed nations have. I see this as a powerful step in our ongoing efforts to internationalise education and prepare our graduates to lead in any arena,” the VC added.

Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande who chaired the proceedings acknowledged the longstanding desire to deepen UG’s engagement with Europe. “This MoU represents more than a document, it’s a bridge to strengthen academic and professional ties between Guyana and the European Union. It has been years in the making, and today’s signing is a culmination of shared vision and collaborative intent. I’m proud to witness this historic step for UG,” Dr Gravesande said.

The five-year agreement, which becomes operational in September 2025, focuses on building partnerships between UG and universities in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Selected students will benefit from internship placements, study exchanges, and hands-on experience in high-demand sectors such as forestry, health, pharmaceuticals, engineering, business and Oil & Gas.

Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce (Guyana), Dr. Alista Bishop, described the agreement as a bold and timely leap forward. “This is more than an agreement between institutions, it’s a vision in motion. The Global Exchange Initiative is about opening doors, expanding minds, and preparing Guyana’s youth to lead in a globally competitive world. Our students are not just capable, they are bold, brilliant, and resilient. We’re honoured to connect them with European institutions eager to embrace that potential.” Dr Bishop said.

The collaboration places strong emphasis on aligning student development with industry needs. Through mentorships and international placements, students will gain exposure to professional environments that demand excellence, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence.

Chair of the Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement Committee at the Chamber, Mrs. Kerri Gravesande-Bart, underscored the practical value of the programme. “As someone who works in recruitment, I can tell you that one of the biggest challenges is preparing graduates to enter global workspaces confidently. This initiative does exactly that. It’s not just about travelling, it’s about equipping our students with the mindset, exposure, and work ethic needed to thrive anywhere. I am so happy to see this programme become a reality,” Mrs Gravesande-Bart proudly expressed.

This initiative stands as a tangible testament to UG’s expanding global footprint and the University’s deepening partnerships with key international stakeholders.