On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the University of Ghana’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies, in collaboration with the College of Education leadership, proudly inaugurated the AfricaUniNet Workshop at the Pan African Doctoral Academy (PADA).
The event welcomed esteemed partners from the University of Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso and the Management Centre in Innsbruck, Austria.
This transformative workshop aimed to equip PhD candidates, graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals with the skills to implement a multidisciplinary framework for addressing disasters and conflicts. By integrating insights from medical, sports, and social work disciplines, participants explored innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head of the Physical Education and Sports Studies Department, underscored the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling societal conflicts and disasters.
“We are here to engage with the theme, ‘Exploring An Integrated Approach to Disasters and Conflict Response Through Medical, Sports, and Social Perspectives.This theme underscores the necessity of collaborative research to address complex global issues. The next three days will be instrumental in enhancing our understanding of effective responses to disasters and conflicts. I believe that the insights we share here can revolutionize traditional approaches in our region and beyond.”
Prof. Osei-Tutu also highlighted the workshop’s alignment with the University’s strategic policy goals aimed at expanding research collaboration and enhancing institutional visibility.
“This initiative resonates deeply with our commitment to collaborative interdisciplinary research. I am particularly excited about its alignment with UG’s strategic objectives.”
Mrs. Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei-Mensah, School Registrar, emphasized the initiative’s potential to enrich the transformative student experience outlined in the university’s strategic policies.
“This partnership reflects our vision for enhancing the student experience at the University of Ghana,” she noted.
Additionally, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Lead Coordinator of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies (PESS), further elaborated on how sports can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.
“Sport is strategically positioned to address critical areas such as social justice, international cooperation, health, gender equality, and poverty alleviation. We are here to explore these vital intersections.”
Mrs. Agyei-Mensah also concluded by urging the department to cultivate impactful global partnerships.
“We aim to deepen our collaborations, ensuring that our research addresses pressing societal issues while fostering meaningful dialogue both locally and internationally,” she affirmed.
“It is my distinct pleasure, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, to declare the University of Ghana AfricaUniNet Summer Workshop officially open,” she announced, setting the stage for an enriching three days of exploration and collaboration.
Story by: Fauzia Salim |univers.ug.edu.gh
