MoU signed between GCSAYN & University of Itasy Madagascar

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GCSAYN Partners with the Université de l’Itasy, Madagascar to Strengthen Youth Capacity in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Development

 Soavinandriana, Madagascar, 30 Sept, 2025:- The Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Université de l’Itasy coloquially known as University of Itasy, Madagascar (UOIM) to empower young people in Madagascar through education, research, and innovation in climate-smart agriculture, sustainability, and rural development.

This partnership marks a new step in advancing youth-led climate action and aligns with GCSAYN’s mission to promote sustainable food systems across Africa. Through this collaboration, both institutions will work to enhance academic engagement, mentorship opportunities, and technology-based agricultural learning to build the resilience of farming communities in Madagascar and beyond.

The MOU was ratified on September 30th 2025 at a special online metting between GCSAYM & UOIM. It was first signed on December 18, 2024, by Mr. Divine Ntiokam, Founder and Executive Director of GCSAYN, and Professor Roger Randrianja, President of the University of Itasy. This historic partnership underscores the mutual commitment to equip youth with skills and resources for tackling the pressing challenges of climate change.

Under this partnership, the parties agreed to:

  • Promote awareness of GCSAYN’s training programs, courses, and digital resources among students, faculty, and partner institutions of UOIM.
  • Facilitate student mentorship and internship programs focused on climate-smart agriculture and rural innovation.
  • Encourage joint research, staff exchange, and collaborative proposals that strengthen agricultural resilience.
  • Support the promotion of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across communities in Madagascar.
  • Share educational materials, innovations, and facilities to foster a more inclusive and impactful partnership.

On this occasion GCSAYN Executive Director, Mr. Ntiokam Divine stated:
“Our partnership with the University of Itasy represents a vital opportunity to localize climate-smart agriculture initiatives and empower Madagascar’s youth to become champions of sustainability. Together, we are investing in the next generation of agricultural innovators.”

Professor Roger Randrianja, President of the University of Itasy, affirmed:
“This collaboration with GCSAYN will open new avenues for our students and researchers to engage with global sustainability initiatives. We are excited to jointly promote education, research, and innovation that address the realities of climate change in Madagascar.”

The MOU also provides for the establishment of a GCSAYN coordination office within the University of Itasy campus to monitor and evaluate partnership activities. This will serve as a hub for youth mobilization and community outreach across Madagascar. This initiative forms part of GCSAYN’s broader goal to connect universities and youth organizations globally in advancing climate-resilient agriculture and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in policy and action platforms worldwide.

About GCSAYN
Founded in 2014, the Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) is a youth-led network promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and environmental stewardship. GCSAYN operates in more than 170 countries and holds consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC and DGC.

About the University of Itasy, Madagascar:
The University of Itasy (UOIM) is a tertiary educational institution dedicated to student-centered learning, multidisciplinary research, and community engagement. Located in Soavinandriana, Madagascar, UOIM focuses on fostering innovation and development through science, technology, and partnerships that enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Media Contact
GCSAYN Secretariat
Email: secretariat@gcsaynglobal.org
Website: www.csaynglobal.org