Visit of the Rector of the United Nations University

Rector Konrad Osterwalder of the United Nations University honored the UNU Geothermal Training Programme by a visit on 3 November. The visit was the first scheduled event on the Rector‘s agenda in Iceland, which also included visits to the UNU Fisheries Training Programme, the UNU Land Restoration Training Programme, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant, the University of Iceland and its Gender Equality Studies and Training Programme. The day started with a seminar that included presentations on Iceland‘s strategy for development cooperation, the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA), and the Icelandic UNU training programmes.  After the speeches and presentations, the Rector reflected on the UNU operations in Iceland and his ideas for future development.

In the afternoon, Rector Osterwalder signed an agreement with Foreign Minister Össur Skarphédinsson and Director General of the Icelandic National Energy Authority, Dr. Gudni Jóhannesson, on the the extension of the cooperation between Iceland and the UNU on the UNU Geothermal Training Programme. The stragety for Iceland‘s development cooperation 2011 – 2014 identifies the UNU as one of four international organizations that will be emphasized in Iceland‘s multi-lateral development work. The UNU-GTP forms a major part of that strategy by providing Fellows from developing countries with geothermal potential an opportunity for specialized training in all the major geothermal disicplines.