Institutions have committed to developing long-term relationships and promoting collaboration between the nations under a new Memorandum of Understanding signed by Universities Wales and Universities Canada on May 30. 

Under the agreement, the organisations plan to increase short-term staff and student exchanges as well as enhance research and development collaborations in areas including green energy, technology, health and wellbeing, and the creative industries. 

They will also try and develop new sector partnerships and strengthen “bilateral relationships” between the two countries’ education sectors.  

“A vibrant, knowledge-based economy relies on having a well-educated population, and collaboration is key to developing education and research systems that deliver for society,” said Kieron Rees, assistant director of Universities Wales.

He added that the agreement will “open doors to collaborative activities that will mutually benefit both our countries and advance our shared excellence”.

“It represents another step in our positive relationship with our Canadian partners, and we look forward to working with Universities Canada for the benefit of our two countries.”

“It’s more important than ever to cultivate long-term relationships between peoples, cultures and societies”

Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada, said the organisation was “proud” to sign the agreement. 

“In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it’s more important than ever to cultivate long-term relationships between peoples, cultures and societies,” he added. 

Wales has committed £65 million to increasing inbound and outbound student exchanges between 2021-2026 under the country’s Taith scheme, which was launched in response to Brexit.