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The project FOREST21 will officially be launched in a virtual kick-off. The first day of the two-day ceremony includes keynote speeches from substance experts in forestry as well as greetings high-level members of universities, ministries, and forestry organisations. The second day of the kick-off focuses on practical project implementation.
All are welcome to join any sessions or keynote speeches. Please sign up for the Zoom event here.
Note that the programme is in South African time (UTC +2).
Programme
Day 1, 10:00-15:30 (South Africa, UTC +2)
Ceremonial Launch of the event
Chair: Mr Albi Modise, Head of Communications, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa
9.30 Registration, Partner videos
10.10 National anthems
10.30 High-level dialogue on capacity building for Higher Education, International Cooperation, Climate-smart Sustainable Forestry, and Entrepreneurship
Hon. Mme Tarja Filatov, Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Chair of Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) Board
Hon. Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, South Africa
H.E. Mme Anne Lammila, Finnish Ambassador to South Africa
Dr Mme Jaana Husu-Kallio, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Finland
Hon. Makhotso M. Sotyu, Deputy Minister, DFFE
Dr Eija Laitinen, FOREST21 Coordinator, Principal Research Scientist, HAMK
Lunch break
13.00–13.50 Messages of support from core partners
Chair: Ms Morongoa Leseke, Acting DGG, DFFE
H.E Dr Riina Kionka, Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to South Africa
Dr Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä, Vice Rector, HAMK
Dr Ossi Naukkarinen, Vice President, Research and Sustainability, Aalto University
Dr Mulugheta Araia, Acting Principal of Middledrift Campus, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute
Dr Maria Hörnell Willebrand, Dean of Faculty of Applied ecology, Agricultural sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Appleid Sciences (INN)
Dr Kaluke Mawila, Principal of the George Campus, Nelson Mandela University
Prof Danie Brink, Dean of the Faculty of Agrisciences, Stellenbosch University
Dr Vathi Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation
and Engagement, Tschwane University of Technology
Dr Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of Venda
13.55–15.25 Messages of support from associate partners
Chair: Ms Morongoa Leseke, Acting DGG, DFFE
Mr Michael Peter, Executive Director, Forestry South Africa (FSA)
Ms Reetta Pilhjerta, Manager of Education and Skills, Finnish Forest Industries Federation
Mr Ola Rostad, CEO, Norwegian Wood Cluster
Dr Thandi Lewin, Acting DGG of University Education, Department of Higher Education, Science & Innovation, South Africa
Prof K Naidoo, Executive Manager, Council for Higher Education
Mr Japie Nel, Senior Manager of Qualifications and Professional Bodies, South African Qualification Authority
14.30 Innovative entrepreneurship education
Prof Patrick Shulist, Assistant Professor, Aalto University
14.45 Climate-smart forestry
Mr Romi Ranken, Senior Lecturer, HAMK
Dr Endre Hofstad Hansen, Associate Professor, INN
15.00 Student-centred pedagogics
Ms Ulla-Maija Knuutti, Senior Lecturer, HAMK
Ms Arna Björg Árnadóttir, Senior Advisor, INN
15.15 Students Team presentation
Mr Magnar Ole Hesjadalen, Assistant Professor, INN
Southern Africa Chapter representatives, International Forestry Students Association (IFSA)
15.30 Closing remarks Ms Morongoa Leseke, Acting DGG, DFFE
Day 2, 9:30-15:00 (South Africa, UTC +2)
9.00 Registration, Partner videos
9.30 Feedback of Day 1 Ms Iida Holck, Project Specialist, HAMK
10.00 Project logic for industry partnerships Ms Teija Lehtonen, Senior Advisor, HAMK
10.30 The South African Forestry Landscape Mr Norman Dlamini, Director of Business Development, FSA
11.00 Student challenges: A case example Ms Riina Subra, Director of Aalto Global Impact
Lunch break
13.00–14.15 Parallel workshop sessions
Dissemination Ms Varpu Somersalo, HAMK & Mr Azwindini Ramphinwa, Fort Cox
Quality Management Ms Teija Lehtonen, HAMK & Dr Vladimir Naumov, INN
Financial Management Ms Iida-Maija Kalmanlehto, HAMK & Alecia Erasmus, Stellenbosch University
14.15–14.30 Closing remarks Mr Tebogo Mathiane, Director of Small-scale Forestry, DFFE
