Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German International Cooperation (GIZ) under its “Digital Skills to Succeed in Asia” (DS2S) initiative. The MoU aims to establish a long-term strategic partnership to enhance digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship at JMI.
The MoU was signed in the august presence of Prof. Mohammad Shakeel, Officiating Vice- Chancellor, JMI by Mr. Naseem Haider, Officiating Registrar, JMI, alongside representatives from GIZ India, including Mrs. Sabrina Garcia, Head of Project - Digital Skills to Succeed in Asia, Mrs. Preyansi Mani, Education & Youth Advisor, and Ms. Mehar Kaur, Education & Youth Advisor.
Other important officials of JMI who graced the special event were; Prof. Rihan Khan Suri, Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Prof. Mini S Thomas, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, JMI, Prof. Simi Farhat Baseer, Dean, Students’ Welfare, JMI, Prof. S M Muzakkir, Innovation Coordinator, IIC 6.0, Prof. Naseeb Ahamad, Convener, IIC 6.0, Prof. Nisar Khan, Start-up Coordinator, IIC 6.0.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The partnership between JMI and GIZ Germany aims to:
1. Introduce employability-driven micro-credentials in digital skills such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Digital Entrepreneurship. These micro- credentials will be incorporated into JMI’s graduate programs.
2. Implement faculty development programs, with a focus on 4-5 training sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science themes, ensuring that faculty members are equipped to lead the next generation of digital innovators.
3. Foster participation in a regional digital skills network, connecting universities from India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Germany. This collaboration will include three network meetings, one each in India, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Commitment to Shared Values and Strategic Vision
The MoU establishes a mutual commitment to addressing the emerging needs and priorities of the digital age. Both parties have agreed to uphold general principles that guide the project’s objectives, ensuring a robust and sustainable partnership.
Prof. Mohammad Shakeel, Vice-Chancellor, JMI, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with GIZ is a significant step toward empowering our students and faculty with future-ready skills. It aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at JMI.”
Mrs. Sabrina Garcia from GIZ India echoed the sentiment, noting, “By working closely with Jamia Millia Islamia, we are creating a platform that equips students with critical digital competencies and contributes to regional and global digital transformation.”
The collaboration is expected to open new doors for students and faculty at JMI, positioning the university as a leader in digital skills education and entrepreneurship in the region.