COIL@UArctic lead partner Robert Gordon University signs a Minute of Understanding with UNITAR
On Tuesday, 28th October 2025, Robert Gordon University signed a Minute of Understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Ambassador Marco Suazo, Head of UNITAR, and Dr Jo Royle, Dean of Aberdeen Business School, participated in an online signing ceremony to formalise the partnership and mark a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between UNITAR and RGU.
As part of the UNITAR Global Diplomacy Fellowship Programme, this agreement will create opportunities for joint learning, research, and global engagement initiatives, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) through COIL@RGU and COIL@UArctic, with a specific focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The agreement was developed by Dr Izzy Crawford, Associate Dean for Economic, Social and Cultural Development, Aberdeen Business School, in partnership with Larisa Schelkin, Faculty, UNITAR Global Diplomacy Fellowship Program. Scottish Education Exchange Programme (SEEP) funding will allow Izzy and Larisa to meet in person at the UN’s Headquarters in New York in December to progress the partnership.
Izzy said, "Larisa and I are looking forward to supporting and contributing to our shared efforts to advance global education and diplomacy through knowledge exchange and academic collaboration."