The reformed Postgraduate Programme (PGP) titled ‘Postgraduate Programme for Sustainability Cooperation’ has started in September. The PGP provides innovative learning formats to train young talents in international cooperation.
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In its sixtieth year, the programme has undergone fundamental changes. This year, for the first time, the cohort also comprises international, non-European participants who bring diverse experiences to deepen intercultural learning and informed perspectives from different regions.
Participants will conduct empirical research and produce policy reports in three research teams:
- The research team led by Dr Michael Brüntrup and Dr George Mudimu will conduct a Tracer Study as part of the CRC Science Futures project to evaluate the impact of agricultural study programmes on rural development in Tanzania and Kenya.
- The research team led by Dr Benedikt Erforth and Dr Hangwei Li will conduct research on the role of China and the European Union in digital partnership in the African island state Mauritius.
- Lastly, the research team jointly led by Dr Jonas Hein (IDOS), Dr Irit Ittner (IDOS) and Dr Fadjar I. Thufail (BRIN) will conduct research on island sustainabilities in Germany and Indonesia. The team will be composed of postgraduates from IDOS and Indonesia.
In the first three weeks, the participants had the opportunity to get to know each other during a one-day excursion to the Ahrtal, where a Roman archeological site was visited. The group also enjoyed Flammkuchen and complemented it with regional wine from the surrounding vineyards. Participants benefitted from the exchange with participants from the Managing Global Governance (MGG) Academy on the dichotomy of ‘Global North’ / ‘Global South’ in development cooperation and a joint workshop inviting different perspectives and challenging established stereotypes. Engaging in extracurricular activities, the PGP cohort organised a guided tour to the United Nations in Bonn. The participants were sensitised about the progress on the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030 and prospects of pursuing a career at the United Nations.
Furthermore, the first three academic modules of this year’s course have already been completed and the three research teams have already started to work together on their research projects. The participants are highly motivated to study, work and learn together and are looking forward to the upcoming nine months in Bonn and abroad.
