The American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) and Bard College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that lays the framework for prospective collaboration between AUIB’s Center for Climate Change, Water Security, and Environmental Sustainability (CWE) and Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability at the College’s Center for Environmental Policy (CEP). Fields of future cooperation outlined in the MoU include the development of curricula on environmental sustainability, cooperation in research and policy studies in climate change and water security, as well as collaboration in public engagement aiming to raise awareness on relevant issues.
The MoU was signed in an online meeting where AUIB was represented by its President, Dr. Michael Mulnix, and Bard was represented by its Vice President for Environmental and Social Leadership, Dr. Eban Goodstein.
As per the signed document, AUIB and Bard College envision collaborating on the development of joint certificate programs on the theme of environmental sustainability, and also on joint teaching activities, such as co-teaching and guest lecturing. Collaboration in research may also include joining efforts and resources to work on themes such as ecological conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development. In this framework, the two parties would establish an exchange program for both students and faculty, and also collaborate on field work and internships, as well as on organizing various conferences, seminars, and workshops.