Bangladesh's National University partners with UN-backed University for Peace to boost student employability

The National University (NU) has joined hands with the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) and US-based technology and skills development organisation CodersTrust to expand career opportunities for students, strengthen digital skills and promote research across its affiliated colleges.

A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the three institutions at the Trump Centre in New York recently, according to a handout issued by the Press Information Department (PID). The agreement brings together the National University's extensive college network, UPEACE's expertise in peace education and CodersTrust's experience in technology and skills development, with a shared focus on preparing students for an increasingly digital and competitive job market.

NU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, UPEACE Academic Coordinator Professor Mihir Kanade and CodersTrust Co-founder and Chairman Aziz Ahmad signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions. Under the partnership, students, teachers and graduates of NU-affiliated colleges will gain access to employment-oriented training, professional development programmes and opportunities to acquire skills relevant to emerging industries.

The proposed training will cover artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, web and software development, digital marketing, data management, freelancing and entrepreneurship. Career counselling and workplace-readiness programmes will also form part of the initiative, helping students translate their academic qualifications into practical employment opportunities.

The courses will be delivered through online, offline and blended learning formats to make them accessible to a wider section of the university community. Each institution will play a distinct role in implementing the initiative. The National University will mobilise its network of affiliated colleges and provide institutional support to reach students, teachers and graduates.

UPEACE will contribute academic expertise, trainers and learning resources in peace education, conflict resolution, human rights and sustainable development. CodersTrust will support technology-focused training and professional skills development. Beyond student training, the agreement envisages joint research, curriculum development, short-term professional and certificate-based courses, and the exchange of academic and research information. The institutions also plan to organise international conferences, workshops and other collaborative academic activities.

Teacher development will be another key component. Faculty members of the National University and its affiliated colleges will have opportunities to strengthen their digital capabilities and integrate subjects such as peace education, human rights and conflict resolution into classroom teaching and academic curricula. The collaboration is also expected to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Established through an initiative of the United Nations General Assembly, the University for Peace is an international higher education and research institution based in Costa Rica.

Bangladesh is among its signatories. The university focuses on education and research in peace, conflict resolution and sustainable development.