The EDULINK Programme is designed to promote co-operation in the field of higher education between the countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP States) and the European Union (EU).  The objectives of the programme are to promote regional and multilateral networking between higher education institutions (HEIs), to foster capacity building, and to support a higher education system which is consistent with the socio-economic development prioritiesin the ACP countries. 

The overall objective of the S&T Programme is to support ACP countries in formulating and implementing science and technology policies that can lead to sustainable development and to poverty reduction through economic growth and progressive integration in the world economy. The purpose of the programme is to strengthen the internal science and technology capacity of ACP countries at different levels: (a) Institutional, administrative and policy making; (b) Academic research and technology; and (c) Business and civil society.

The programmes are implemented through Calls for Proposals, which lead to the financing by the EU of selected co-operation projects between beneficiary institutions from EU and ACP countries. The grant beneficiaries are higher education institutions, research and technology centres, and other public, academic, private and civil sector organizations. 

All beneficiaries of the two programmes are invited to the conference to assess together whether they are on track within the scope of their programmes and if they are achieving their own specific objectives.

The conference will provide the opportunity for the programmes’ stakeholders to exchange experiences, to increase the knowledge on project management and outcomes, and to make links for future collaborations.