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Question Time
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
General Questions
G8 (Role of Scottish Universities)
To ask the Scottish
Executive what role it envisages for Scottish
universities in addressing some of the issues to be discussed at the G8
summit, particularly in relation to Africa. (S2O-7351)
Marlyn
Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab):
To ask the Scottish Executive what role it envisages for Scottish
universities in addressing some of the issues to be discussed at the G8
summit, particularly in relation to Africa. (S2O-7351)
The Deputy Minister
for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Allan Wilson):
Scottish universities have an important role to play in this area, for
example in the development of education programmes and through their
expertise in research and innovation. The universities of Glasgow and
Abertay Dundee are currently hosting academic conferences that are
considering G8 issues, and many Scottish universities are already active in
Africa. Concept notes seeking support from the Scottish Executive's
international development fund include proposals from several Scottish
universities for work in sub-Saharan Africa.
Marlyn Glen:
I invite the minister to join me in congratulating in particular the
University of Dundee on its work in Africa on tropical disease research,
health care education and training and expertise in the critical fields of
energy, mineral and water law. Mercy scholarships for Rwandan women are just
one example of the university's work.
Can the minister assure me that recognition and support will be given to
those important initiatives, which have now been extended to a number of
Scottish education institutions?
Allan Wilson:
Marlyn Glen is right to draw the Parliament's attention to the very good
work that Scotland's universities are doing on development in Africa,
preceding the G8 summit and undoubtedly succeeding it.
We are considering proposals for international development funding that
include projects to deliver direct assistance overseas, applications for
administrative resources based here in Scotland and funding for activities
aimed at exchanging knowledge or raising awareness. We will consider
applications for projects based in or linked to sub-Saharan Africa and areas
that were affected by the Asian tsunami. Additional weight will be given to
projects that are based wholly or partly in Malawi, which we wish to
prioritise.
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