Continuing to strengthen its international ties, Brock University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DHA Suffa University (DSU) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Along with the MOU, a course equivalency arrangement was celebrated during a virtual event held July 30. The course equivalency may translate to up to two years worth of coursework.

Brock and DSU will promote exchange of information and materials, provide visiting scholar opportunities for faculty, and collaborate on joint research activities and publications. In addition, short-term, exchange and student mobility programs will be created.

The virtual event held to mark the occasion was attended by delegates from both universities, with representatives from educational and governmental organizations speaking to the benefits of the partnership and the vital link it provides between Canada and Pakistan.

Among the speakers were Brock University President Lynn Wells and Faculty of Mathematics and Science Dean Ejaz Ahmed, as well as DSU Vice Chancellor Muhammad Afzal Haque and Pro-Vice Chancellor Ahmed Saeed Minhas. Keynote speeches were also delivered by Wendy Gilmour, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, and Abdul Hameed, Consul General of Pakistan to Canada, who addressed the importance of international collaboration between the nations.

“On the global stage, Brock is known as a Canadian partner offering high-quality academic programming that is attractive to international students,” Wells said. “We also enjoy a well-deserved reputation as a comprehensive institution with excellent scholarship in many fields.”

The MOU promotes friendship, international and intercultural understanding, research and exchange between the two institutions.

“For the first time, DSU is signing an MOU with a Canadian university and it’s a historic instrument ushering in a new era of bilateral co-operation and institutional excellence,” Haque said.

“I look forward to the day the first cohort of students begin their collaborations with our institutions,” said Ahmed, adding the “potential for joint research is strong.”

“The success of this program is inspiring and personal to me, being a citizen of both Canada and Pakistan,” he said.

The agreement with DHA Suffa University is a “manifestation of Brock’s strategic goal to offer globally-oriented learning and experience opportunities,” Wells said. “Through this partnership, Brock opens its doors to Pakistani students seeking to further their education in scientific disciplines. At the same time, we are building an important international connection that will support intercultural exchanges of ideas, knowledge and values. The Brock community will be enriched through this exciting new relationship.”

Brock University also offered its thanks to Athar Khan, Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada, for playing an instrumental part in the creation of the MOU documents.