Professor Emanuela Colombo, faculty member of the Department of Energy at the Politecnico di Milano and Rector’s Delegate for Scientific Diplomacy and Cooperation, participated in the thematic session “The Knowledge Chain: Connecting Education, Research and Innovation for Development. From Human Empowerment to Territorial Innovation” as part of CO[OPERA] 2026, the Third National Conference on Development Cooperation, held in Rome on May 26–27.
The session, organized by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) in coordination with CUCS-CRUI, explored the contribution of higher education, research, and innovation as strategic drivers of international cooperation and sustainable development. The discussion fostered dialogue among universities, institutions, multilateral organizations, and African partners.
Professor Colombo delivered the concluding remarks in her role as CRUI delegate to the National Council for Development Cooperation (CNCS). She contributed to the discussion on future collaboration between the university system, research institutions, and development cooperation policies, with the aim of strengthening the role of knowledge as a driver of sustainable development and equitable international partnerships.