20 October 2009
The University of Cape Town has become the latest partner in the Worldwide Universities Network making it the first African member in this global network.
"The University of Cape Town is pleased to announce it will join the Worldwide University Network,”said Professor Jo Beall, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Internationalisation), University of Cape Town.
“Its key objectives are aligned with UCT's own strategic vision and we believe that our membership of WUN will help extend our partnership profile and enhance our goal of internationalisation with an Afropolitan niche.”
WUN is a partnership of research-led universities from Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia. By fostering and encouraging collaboration between members, WUN brings together the experience, equipment and expertise necessary to tackle the big issues currently facing societies, governments, corporations and education.
The Chief Executive of WUN, Professor John Hearn from the University of Sydney said “On behalf of all partners, I am delighted to welcome the University of Cape Town, with its many research strengths, to WUN. UCT brings complimentary expertise to the partnership and will create new opportunities and experiences for staff and students throughout the network.”
The Chairman of the WUN Partnership Board, Dr Mark Emmert, President of the University of Washington Seattle, said “We look forward to the UCT taking a full role in the partnership and the academic programs of WUN.”
The University of Cape Town’s membership of WUN was formalized in a ceremony held at the University of Sydney on 12 October 2009. At the ceremony, Professor Beall from the University of Cape Town joined Professor John Hearn to sign the Partnership Heads of Agreement.