Mekuria Argaw is a ZEF-alumnus (graduation 2005) and Executive Director of the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.
Importance of Institutions like ZEF in the Global South
Institutions like ZEF are crucial for the Global South, focusing on both research and education. Their approach involves partnering with and training experts from these regions, aiming to enhance the capacity of local institutions and researchers. This focus is essential because research facilities and career development opportunities are often limited in the Global South. High-quality research requires not just skilled experts but also well-established facilities—labs, equipment, and technology—that are often scarce in these areas. Therefore, educating and training young professionals at the postgraduate level, while simultaneously building research infrastructure, can significantly enhance research capacities. ZEF has a strong track record of educating PhD students from developing countries by involving them in collaborative research projects with local institutions. Over the past 25 years, ZEF has produced many qualified researchers who now hold key positions in international, regional, and national institutions, including research institutes, universities, multilateral organizations, and governments. Successful projects like the GLOWA-Volta project in West Africa, the Aral Sea project in Uzbekistan, the Coffee project in Ethiopia, and the BIOTA Africa project in East and West Africa (all funded by BMBF) have been instrumental in training these experts. Many of these professionals remain key research partners to ZEF, underscoring the importance of continuing to combine research with education and training to build research capacity in the Global South.
Benefits of cooperation with ZEF
My cooperation with ZEF over the years has been highly beneficial. ZEF’s strong connections with international and regional institutions and its robust alumni network offer unique opportunities for building partnerships. For instance, my institution, the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network at Addis Ababa University, collaborates with ZEF in the CABES project, coordinating activities in East Africa. This collaboration has expanded our scope beyond the Horn of Africa, enhancing South-South cooperation across the continent. Through CABES, we’ve also increased our participation in international platforms like IPBES, benefiting from training provided by partners like Co-Know and UNEP-WCMC. The SPIBES Masters’ program further enriches our collaboration by facilitating the exchange of students, lecturers, and resources among partners, leading to diverse knowledge-sharing across Africa. This partnership has opened career development opportunities for many young professionals in our region. Additionally, CABES has strengthened our National Biodiversity Platform, enhancing our partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, and civil society. Collaborating with ZEF has also increased our capacity to secure competitive grants, further highlighting the value of this partnership.
Wishes and suggestions for ZEF’s future
As ZEF and its doctoral program celebrate 25 years, it’s clear that the institution has made significant strides in building research capacity and producing highly-qualified experts through its BIGS-DR program. ZEF’s model is unique in its commitment to inclusivity, embracing diversity across gender, culture, and disciplines. My experience at ZEF was transformative, not just academically but also personally, and I hope ZEF continues to serve as an Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence for Development Research. Looking forward, I wish for ZEF to maintain its role as a global hub for development research, bridging North-South collaboration, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, technology, and innovation. I also hope ZEF will strengthen its alumni network, enhancing collaboration and networking across various scales. Finally, I wish for ZEF to continue its commitment to producing high-quality research and serving the global scientific community.
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