Signing of MoU between Epoka University and Albanian Network for Rural Development
On March 30, 2021, the representatives of the Albanian Rural Development Network (ANRD) paid a courtesy visit to Epoka University following up the successful cooperation between the two institutions within the frame of the organization of the second Albanian Rural Parliament on March 4-5. Representatives of ANRD, Mr. Sotiraq Hroni the Chairman of Board, Ms. Evelina Azizaj the National Coordinator and, Mr. Gent Imeraj the Guide of Rural Youth Hub were welcomed by the Rector of Epoka University, Mr. Güngör Turan at Epoka University premises. During the visit, the senior representatives of the two institutions signed the MoU to strengthen the cooperation between the two institutions in embarking in joint future initiatives.
The agreement follows up the successful organization of the second Albanian Rural Parliament, a joint effort of the Albanian Network for Rural Development in coordination with the Agricultural University of Tirana and Epoka University, which brought together nearly 600 participants from different rural communities and important actors of agricultural and rural development to discuss concrete challenges and actions to be taken to improve the well-being of rural habitants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the national rural Parliament was held in a hybrid format, made possible by Epoka University.
The signed MoU envisages cooperation between Epoka University and ANRD and its member organizations for the organization of lectures, conferences, seminars; exchange of professional assistance; undertaking pilot initiatives linking the main areas of the University’s activity with some of the concrete issues of rural development and thematic work of ANRD (such as smart villages, intelligent agriculture, and other issues related to innovation). The MoU also facilitates the creation of opportunities for students of the Epoka University regarding professional internships at ANRD and its member organizations, the mutual exchange of knowledge and information as well as the orientation of students before and during the process of drafting Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate thesis.
Acknowledging the to-date collaborations, ANRD welcomes the deepening of the partnership with the academic world and the institutions of education and scientific research in favor of achieving the objective of creating conditions for a sustainable rural development based on research, study, scientific evidence, and top science and technology achievements.