IUC Kick-off

The IUC kick-off is providing a positive final assessment of the fully fledged proposal for a first 5-year project phase with the full implementation as of September 2026. The project formulation is part of a preparatory phase-in stage that sets the foundation for a 10-year journey to support our partner universities in building their institutional capacity and addressing global challenges, including climate and environmental sustainability, (one) health, inclusive education, and resilient food systems.

New Years event

On 21 January, it was time for the VLIRUOS New Year’s reception. It had been six years since we last came together like this. We took the opportunity to bring together people with expertise, engagement, and strong academic and societal networks. During this event, the six new IUC projects and the new Erasmus+ project, got to present their goals. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot shared the powerful message:  “Knowledge is power. Sharing knowledge is strength.”

The event brought together academics and expert staff from local partner universities and Flemish higher education institutions, representatives of Belgian development organisations and of embassies of partner countries. Together, we strive to co-create impactful research, education, and outreach that support local communities, vulnerable groups, and sustainable development across regions.

IUC projects with full implementation as of September 2026

• Universidad de Holguín (Cuba) with as Flemish consortium leader KU Leuven. Focus: strengthening of research and innovation capabilities to tackle Cuba's challenges in energy, water and agriculture. 
• Universidad Técnica del Norte (Ecuador) with as Flemish consortium leader Universiteit Hasselt. Focus: project to enhance the well-being and quality of life for marginalized urban and rural communities 
• Technical University of Mombasa (Kenya) with as Flemish consortium leader Universiteit Gent. Focus: a One Health approach to improve health and prosperity for the people and the sea 
• Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana (Peru) with as Flemish consortium leader UAntwerpen. Focus: sustainable solutions and policy engagement and fostering the well-being of vulnerable Amazonian communities 
• Nelson Mandela University (South Africa) with as Flemish consortium leader KU Leuven. Focus: a project on sustainable livelihoods for marginalized coastal communities.
• Gulu University (Uganda) with as Flemish consortium leader Universiteit Gent. Focus:  sustainable agri-food systems development for inclusive socioeconomic transformation of refugee-host communities