Interview with UPEC: Dr. Felip Koch and Laurent Thévenet Discuss Joining the SSTC Network

Dr. Felip Koch, assistant professor of Brazilian Studies and Societal Innovation Laurent Thévenet, vice-president of international relations

How did you come to know about INSSPIRE and the SSTC network?

Dr. Felip Koch: “Through the Aurora Alliance, during the preparation of the new Aurora project, this SSTC network appeared. Because we are interested in relationships between North-South, we got enthusiastic and decided to join the network.” He emphasizes the potential for synergy and collaboration, envisioning a platform where expertise from different regions converges to tackle common challenges. “With partners from Latin America, we can bring in African counterparts and foster synergies that transcend borders.”

What appealed to you about the SSTC network?

Laurent Thévenet: For me, it was a real opportunity for exchange and creating a more equitable platform for collaboration. There are a lot of interesting subjects within the SSTC network. Having spent significant time in Africa and experienced its higher education system, I found this approach of bringing together the Global North and South particularly compelling and valuable.

Dr. Felip Koch: As a former student from Brazil, I often felt that ideas and initiatives predominantly come from the Global North. I believed I could contribute to making this exchange more mutual and balanced.

What was your motivation to join the SSTC network? (what do you hope to get out of it)

Dr. Felipe Kocht: My primary motivation is to foster collaboration between Africa and Latin America independently from external influences. Achieving this would be a significant milestone for me. On a larger scale, I aim to increase resilience in these changing times, particularly regarding food systems and climate change. Given that more than 50% of our population has African heritage, reconnecting politically and addressing common challenges together would be a beautiful achievement. Diversity is crucial for tackling complex issues, and I believe our collective efforts can make a real difference.

Laurent Thévenet: For me, it’s essential to question and understand what we consider as the “South” and how we can bridge the gaps within this diverse grouping.

The workshop in Mbarara was your first event as an SSTC-member, can you share some of your personal highlights during the event?

Dr. Felipe Kocht: The real-life learning lab workshop was a standout for me. Its practical approach and realistic outcomes were truly inspiring. Implementing such practices in our courses fills me with ideas and enthusiasm. We have so much to learn from other countries in the Global South. For example, at UDS, they have been working on community service learning for over 20 years, providing a wealth of knowledge and experience we can all benefit from.