{The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has announced the first affiliate member in Rwanda and the 132nd Virtual Institute member, Mahatma Gandhi University Rwanda (MGU Rwanda).}
MGU Rwanda was established in 2014 and has a history of research and training with its foundation institution in India and facilitation centers worldwide. The institutional mission of the university is to transform the Rwandan citizen into skilled humans, able to advance the socio-economic development of the country by ensuring equitable access to quality education focusing on combating illiteracy, promoting information technology, and stimulating critical thinking.
MGU offers a variety of diploma, undergraduate and graduate degrees in management, commerce, international relations, economics, finance, and public administration. Current research conducted by students includes micro-finance in development, women entrepreneurs, regional integration, and the impact colonization heritage has on local development. Additionally, MGU recently launched the Center for Training and Research to provide a venue for innovative research and analysis that contributes to the sustainable development of the country.
The cooperation between MGU and the Virtual Institute will be coordinated by Dr. Vince Sinining (provost@mgu.ac.rw). Dr. SinIning, Vice Chancellor and Provost, currently serves as Senior Advisor on Education and Sustainable Development to select Permanent Missions to the United Nations. His background as a senior fellow at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and research on sustainable development and Small Island Developing States plays an essential role in the development of MGU’s research and training. He will be supported by Dr. Varun Gupta (operations@mgu.ac.rw), Director of MGU.
Dr. Rajan Chopra, Chancellor and Founder of the University has allocated his personal funds on the development and improvement of the learning modules, online resources, and the use of ICT in the effective delivery of teaching in all of MGUR’s online programs. The University launched last December 1, volumes of new ICT textbooks and learning modules. Aside from MGU Rwanda, Dr. Chopra has established the Mahatma Gandhi Universe Institute (www.ddit-mgui.com), Vidya Skills Development Division (www.cews.in), VCampus California, USA (www.vcampusglobal.com), and Vlearn Inspired Learning, Nevada USA (www.vlearninspired.com).
The University hopes to strengthen its training and research programs through its VI membership. It anticipates learning from members on their best practices and academic curricular ideas related to Trade and Investment. The expectation is that VI membership will provide the university with access to educational and research resources, as well as opportunities for collaborative research and conferences.
The profile of the University, as well as the CVs of participating academics, will shortly be posted on the Vi website http://vi.unctad.org (Members, Institutional Members, Affiliate University Members) and to the MGU website http://mgu.ac.rw/
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