Visit to Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador
This week, we are visiting Universidad Técnica del Norte (UTN) in Ecuador for the start of a long-term partnership. The Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) between UTN and several Flemish higher education institutions wants to empower marginalized urban and rural communities to enhance well-being and quality of life through the Kawsay Living Lab.
During the week, the international delegation undertook a programme of institutional meetings, campus tours, academic gatherings and visits to Angochagua and surrounding communities, to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The VLIRUOS IUC project EMPOWER2LIV@UTN aims to improve well-being and quality of life for Indigenous marginalized urban and rural (MUR) communities in Imbabura. Through inclusive and community-driven efforts in education, health, environment, economy and nutrition, the project fosters long-lasting systemic change. Saberes ancestrales are revitalized through scientific validation and innovative fusions with contemporary practices. The Kawsay Living Lab, coordinated by UTN, serves as a dynamic platform for co-creation with these communities.
During this week’s visit, colleagues Peter De Lannoy and Mathieu Lanin presented the next steps in preparing the fully-fledged proposals. The different sub-projects were introduced to one another, and Flemish and Ecuadorian team members met to further shape their joint initiatives.
