Congratulation to the Newly Born CTI-CFF University Partnership!

The 2-day convention of "The 1st CTI-CFF University Partnership Meeting" has generated positive outputs for the future of capacity building, research, and outreach activities under the partnership. The meeting took place at the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, Manado, from February 28 – March 1, 2017.

One of the important decisions made is the appointment of CTI-CFF University Partnership Coordinator, Professor Grevo Gerung of University of Sam Ratulangi (Unsrat), Manado. Prof Gerung will establish close communication and coordination with the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat and National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of CTI-CFF Member States. His tenure will last for three (3) years.

During a 12-session meeting, participants from both Universities and NCCs exchanged valuable inputs and experiences in formulating the most suitable format of the partnership. Key decisions include the acknowledgement and adoption of three (3) proposed actions: Capacity Building, Research, and Outreach as the main foci of CTI-CFF University Partnership. The important role of CTI-CFF Centre of Excellence (CoE) was also acknowledged to support RPOA through pragmatic approaches in research, capacity building, and outreach.

The forum also agreed to formulate the criteria along with the timeline of the three (3) proposed actions to implement them in tangible ways. It also agreed on a set of guidelines for CTI-CFF CoE along with identifying the needs of CoE and potential programs/activities.

Last but not least, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat was tasked to seek funding opportunities and facilitate possible joint collaborative efforts to support programs under the framework of CTI-CFF University Partnership.

Participants also agreed to hold another similar meeting next year (time and place to be discussed).

Congratulations to the newly established CTI-CFF University Partnership!