In the framework of the activities planned for the Italian G20 presidency, the 4th International Forum of Gran Sasso, took place from 30rd September to 2nd October 2021 at the University of Teramo (Italy). The forum engaged academic and research institutions in embracing a new approach to social planning. In addition to encouraging universities and research centers to revitalize research and teaching – their primary missions – the forum aimed to promote the development of innovative collaboration models with government entities, socio-cultural institutions and enterprises, so as to facilitate the involvement and sharing of ideas with local communities.

The related Euro-African Rectors Conference represented an additional opportunity to proceed with the implementation of the commitments taken in the Teramo Charter of 2019, drafted in the course of the second edition of the Gran Sasso International Forum that aimed at supporting new educational pathways for young generations, scientific research projects, and technical and cultural support. The Forum consisted of twenty-one sessions and engaged dozens of Rectors of African universities under the title: “Building the future together: The role of academic cooperation in shaping a new socio-economic integration project for youth”.

This Euro-African Rectors Conference was organized by the University of Teramo, the diocese of Teramo, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law).

During the first thematic session, dedicated to “Collaborative Europe-Africa postgraduate education programs and academic cooperation to boost employability and entrepreneurship”, Fr. Dr. Jorge Naranjo, Principal of Comboni College of Science and Technology, shared the experience of the College on the ongoing projects related to applications of Computer Science to Sudanese cultural heritage. You can watch the presentation (from 2:43:23 until 2:53:00)
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