KILA signs MoU with UN University research institute

The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations University-Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), a research institute of the United Nations University based in Brussels, to strengthen academic and research collaboration.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh. KILA Director General A. Nizamuddin and UNU-CRIS Director Philippe D. Lombaerde signed the MoU.

Mr. Rajesh described the agreement as a historic moment for the State, noting that this is the first time UNU-CRIS has entered into a partnership with an institution in Keralam.

“The collaboration is expected to facilitate internationally recognised research and studies in areas such as urban development in Keralam, climate change, decentralised governance, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. It will also create opportunities for students and professionals to receive world-class training and exposure while encouraging the development of innovative policy ideas,” he said.

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in areas including capacity building of local governments, research, policy support, and experiential learning. Under the agreement, the institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, policy initiatives, training programmes, capacity-building activities, student exchange, joint publications, and information sharing.

Officials said the partnership would help improve the quality and efficiency of local governance institutions in Keralam while facilitating the exchange of global knowledge and best practices.

The MoU also aims to promote collaboration in areas such as training, policy formulation, experiential learning processes, decentralised planning, and action-oriented research.