Post-secondary leaders teamed up to strengthen Canada’s reputation as world-class education partner during a recent Universities Canada mission to India.

Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg was one of 21 university presidents who joined the trip, which took place from Feb. 2 to 6.

During the mission, Brock University and four other Canadian institutions signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU).

Rigg said the partnership with JGU will open new pathways for future academic and research collaboration and builds on the universities’ shared strengths in sport and human performance, business education and public health.

“Brock is proud to be partnering with an institution recognized as one of India’s most prestigious, and one that shares our commitment to academic excellence and global engagement,” she said. “We are confident it will bring meaningful benefits to our students, faculty and staff and open the door to new perspectives and opportunities on both campuses.”

During meetings with policy-makers, stakeholders and local post-secondary institutions, Rigg and fellow Universities Canada delegates discussed opportunities to advance research collaboration and international partnerships while gaining insight into India’s education and regional development goals.

The delegation also participated in the QS India Summit in Goa, which allowed them to engage with global and Indian leaders on the future of higher education and international co-operation, and visited leading research and innovation hubs in Delhi and Ahmedabad.

In addition to her work with the Universities Canada delegation, Rigg met with local alumni and participated in the Canada in Asia Conference, which took place in Singapore from Feb. 10 to 11. The event brought together government, business and higher education leaders to tackle challenges and opportunities related to food security, infrastructure and energy security as pillars of sustainable growth in Canada and Asia.