Future Africa Research Chair delivers keynote on Sustainability Transformations at UNIOR launch

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretary-General H.E. Mr Salman Al Farisi formally launched the IORA Indian Ocean University Network (UNIOR) at the Curtin University campus in Mauritius on Friday, 15 November 2024.

The Launch Forum was headlined by a keynote address from Professor Maano Ramutsindela, the Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations ( a joint chair between the University of Pretoria and University of Cape Town), who spoke on “Sustainability Transformations: Implications for the Indian Ocean Region.”

Professor Ramutsindela’s address emphasised sustainable transformations through research questions that are critical for thinking about transformative research in the Indian Ocean region. These questions focused on conceptions of transformation research, systems thinking, and research directions in the context of natural resources. The goal of the keynote was to open discussions and provide the newly launched IORA Universities Network with food for thought as it develops a long-term research agenda and set of activities. Professor Ramutsindela highlighted the critical intersections of sustainability, leadership, and regional collaboration in shaping a thriving future for the Indian Ocean region.

The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on “Building University Collaboration for Sustainable Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” The discussion featured Professor Ramutsindela alongside H.E. Mr Al Farisi, Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius H.E. Kate Chamley, Professor Françoise Driver (SSR Chair in African Studies, University of Mauritius), and Professor Ajay Dubey (Professor of International Studies and former Rector, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India).

UNIOR, launched under the theme of “academic diplomacy”, aims to become a dynamic regional academic platform, focusing on higher education and research collaborations to address sustainable development challenges, build leadership and institutional capacity, and enhance regional cooperation within the Indian Ocean region.

The keynote address by Professor Ramutsindela is attached below:

Summary of Keynote Address- UNIOR LAUNCH

For more information about the UNIOR launch, read the media release attached below:

MEDIA RELEASE – UNIOR LAUNCH