Strategic partnerships are institutional collaborations that connect the University of Cologne in its entirety with a partner institution . They serve to shape the university's profile at the highest strategic level and involve the participating institutions in their entirety.
The primary objectives of establishing strategic partnerships are:
- to build sustainable and far-reaching cooperation structures and infrastructures at both universities,
- to ensure effective and professional communication and collaboration at all levels, taking into account the respective institutional frameworks, and
- to create expanded opportunities for joint projects and programs that enhance the international visibility and reputation of both institutions, thereby increasing their competitiveness.
Within the framework of such a strategic partnership, the Global South Studies Center (GSSC) cooperates in particular with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa and the Universidad de los Andes (UniAndes), Colombia.