Leh: The University of Ladakh on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with WWF-India to discuss a long-term academic and institutional partnership focused on research, education and community-oriented programmes in the region.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, and was attended by Rigzin Dawa, Senior Programme Officer, WWF-India. The discussions centred on the preparation of a broad and multi-sector Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
According to officials present, the proposed MoU is designed to create a formal framework for cooperation in conservation research, academic engagement, capacity building, field-based learning and community-linked initiatives. The process for formalising the partnership has already been initiated.
During the meeting, Rigzin Dawa, along with Dawa Zangpo, placed a formal proposal for the introduction of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes at the University of Ladakh. The proposal also outlined a longer-term plan to extend professional social work education to the constituent colleges of the university.
The proposal stressed the need to develop trained human resources in the areas of governance, conservation and community engagement across Ladakh.
As part of the academic interaction, WWF-India presented publications and institutional material to Prof. Saket Kushwaha as a gesture of cooperation and goodwill. The visiting delegation was welcomed at the university campus with traditional khataks.
University officials stated that the discussions represent an early step towards building a structured and enduring institutional relationship between WWF-India and the University of Ladakh, with the aim of strengthening academic work, conservation practice and community development in the region.
