UNDP Rep. calls on Universities to promote innovation: KAB Regional Incubation Hub Takes the Lead
The Resident Representative for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, has urged Kabale University to to align its programs and research with the aim of tackling present-day global challenges and promoting beneficial changes.
Ms. Attafuah said this on Saturday, during her speech to administrators and student leaders at KAB regarding the Business Incubation Hub at the KAB Main Campus Boardroom.
Attafuah stressed the vital role of universities in nurturing innovations that can play a part in facilitating a more positive global transformation. “We must cultivate a thriving culture of innovation. It’s time to cease exporting our wealth and importing destitution. Take, for example, the potential for Kabale to export potato chips worldwide, given its reputation as a producer of Irish potatoes. We simply need to add value to our potatoes and capitalize on their full potential”, Ms. Attafuah said.
She noted that the world is striving to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and therefore urged academic institutions to formulate approaches that foster creativity and generate solutions aimed at meeting the SDGs, thereby improving the world.
Ms. Attafuah also encouraged young people to engage in initiatives that would enable them to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, driving economic growth and development.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Kwesiga noted highlighted that the Innovation Incubation Hub serves as a platform for students, staff, and the community to nurture and create ideas that can bring advantages to their society. She pointed out that students, before the idea of the innovation Hub possessed ideas and innovations that they would present during open days, but these ideas were not adequately developed and showcased for global visibility.
Professor Kwesiga further expressed her appreciation to UNDP for their support towards the university and assured them of the commitment to collaborate closely in order to generate and foster innovative ideas in the Kigezi region.
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