OUC and the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organizations signed a memorandum of understanding

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) and the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organizations aiming to enhance citizen participation and strengthen the role of Civil Society signed a memorandum of understanding on February 18, 2021. OUC Rector Professor Petros Pashiardis and the Commissioner Mr. Yiannis Yiannakis signed the cooperation agreement.

The cooperation of the two public bodies focuses, among other things, on a) projects for the provision of high quality services to citizens especially in the areas of volunteerism and social cohesion, b) the design and implementation of joint voluntary and educational actions for the development of active citizenship, c) the mobilization of means required to implement the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and d) joint and multilateral proposals to seek external funding for research and educational projects and innovation initiatives in areas of common interest.

The Commissioner Y. Yiannakis noted that volunteering and civil society go hand in hand, and are an integral part of national, European and international priorities for cooperation in education and training to facilitate the sustainable development of society. Moreover, he mentioned that particular emphasis should be placed on the role of education in promoting equality, cultivating intercultural skills and strengthening active citizenship.

OUC Rector Professor P. Pashiardis underlined that the social contribution activities aiming to promote the cultural and sustainable development of society are one of the main pillars underlying the operations of the University that is devoted to open and distance education and the promotion of lifelong learning. The OUC, being a public University, aspires to add value to society through the provision of quality higher education to all without exclusions, and its state-of-the-art e-learning infrastructure, know-how and expertise, are at the Commissioner’s disposal for joint actions encouraging volunteerism and active citizenship.

The Vice-Chairman of the University’s Council Mr. Panikos Pengas, the Vice-Rector Professor Yannis Manolopoulos, as well as academic and administrative staff of the OUC and the Office of the Commissioner attended the meeting.