The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations University Institute for Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), a research institute of the United Nations University based in Brussels, to strengthen academic and research collaboration.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Local Government Minister MB Rajesh. KILA Director General A. Nizamuddin and UNU-CRIS Director Philippe D. Lombaerde signed a memorandum of understanding.
Describing the agreement as a historic moment for the state, Mr. Rajesh noted that it is the first time that UNU-CRIS has partnered with an institution in Kerala.
“The collaboration is expected to facilitate internationally recognized research and studies in areas such as urban development in Kerala, climate change, decentralized governance and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also create opportunities for students and professionals to receive world-class training and exposure while promoting the development of innovative policy ideas,” he said.
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in areas including local government capacity building, research, policy advocacy and experiential learning. Under the agreement, the institutions will collaborate on joint research projects, policy initiatives, training programs, capacity building activities, student exchange, joint publications and information sharing.
Officials said the partnership will help improve the quality and efficiency of local governance institutions in Kerala while facilitating the exchange of global knowledge and best practices.
The MoU also aims to promote collaboration in areas such as training, policy formulation, experiential learning processes, decentralized planning and action-oriented research.
Published – 13 March 2026 20:28 IST
