- Woxsen University and Former Belgian PM ‘Yves Leterme’ propel India-EU ties, innovation and excellence in higher education
Woxsen University in Hyderabad hosted former Belgian Prime Minister, Yves Leterme, during the International Conclave on ‘India-EU as Strategic Partners for the Future of Higher Education.’ Notable attendees included G V Prasad, Consul General of Belgium, Dr Shankar S Mantha, former Chairman of AICTE and representatives from the US Consulate Hyderabad, the Netherlands Embassy, Telangana’s government, The University of Hyderabad, IBS Hyderabad, NALSAR, NICMAR University and IMT Hyderabad.
The primary objective of the International Conclave was to establish a dynamic platform to foster open and constructive dialogue among key stakeholders from the realms of diplomacy, higher education and business. By bringing together thought leaders, policymakers and industry representatives, the conclave aimed to strengthen EU-India ties, catalyse collaborations and drive positive changes in the landscape of higher education.
“The EU, India and the US are the biggest democracies in the world. The new rising power India is a democracy that protects its values while addressing the global challenges and well-balanced multinational institutions and Sustainable Development Goals agenda and Woxsen is forging a generation of future that holds these principles”, H E Yves Leterme, Former Prime Minister of Belgium, said.
“The EU-India cooperation aims to collaborate and connect to promote incentives and learn from each other. The priority is to invest in infrastructural links for energy goods and water transport. The second priority is to establish an energy consumption ecosystem, requiring innovation and investment. The third priority is to join forces in the digital domain, promoting Indian unicorns and building competition in the digital world using cutting-edge technology. The fourth domain is person-to-person cooperation, focusing on education exchange and tourism. The EU and India should deepen cooperation in geopolitical terms, resuming free trade, investment protection and agreement on geopolitical issues”, He further added.
“A powerful country relies on military strength, education, economic output and cost competitiveness. However, investing in a solid educational and research system is crucial. India’s founding fathers established good technical institutes and universities but the private sector struggled to replicate their history with world-class facilities at low fees. Funding research in Indian institutions is essential for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and research. Hundreds of universities and cutting-edge research are needed for India’s development”, G V Prasad, Co-Chairman & MD, Dr Reddy’s Labs & Consul General of Belgium, emphasised.
“The world is transforming faster with innovations & technologies coming into place. At Woxsen, we offer students, avenues for industry exposure and practical learning through high-tech labs and deep learning. This prepares them to be effective and diligent in their roles as they enter the corporate world”, Vishal Khurma, CEO, Woxsen University, said.
The former Prime Minister’s insights into fostering collaboration, addressing geopolitical challenges and enhancing person-to-person cooperation resonated deeply with the diverse audience present. The conclave catalysed forging stronger ties, promoting innovation and establishing a framework for sustained collaboration between India and the EU.
