UNU-FLORES Hosts Inaugural Cohort of the Global Water and Climate Adaption Centre Joint Masters Programme

In September, UNU-FLORES welcomed the inaugural cohort of the International Joint Master's Program Water Security & Global Change. As a member of the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre), the Institute hosted ten students for a month-long visit at UNU-FLORES.

Exploring the Resource Nexus Approach

During their month-long visit, the students explored the Resource Nexus approach, a central component of UNU-FLORES research and work. With diverse thesis topics, the students explored the Nexus from multiple perspectives, gaining insights into its applications and synergies.

As part of their structured learning activities during the month-long visit, students were given a series of assignments. An assignment required them to produce a 3–5 page advisory paper, written as though it were directed to a UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in a particular country. Students were asked to focus either on UN e-learning offerings or ISO standards related to water security and climate adaptation, tailoring their analysis to a country-specific context and an intended group of implementers. The culminating assignment was a simulated presentation of this advisory paper, followed by a reflection on the key lessons drawn from their time at UNU-FLORES.

"From its launch in India to hosting the first cohort in Dresden, the International Joint Masters Program reflects UNU-FLORES’ commitment to capacity-building through partnerships. By empowering the students with Resource Nexus thinking, we empowered students to view challenges and opportunities through a new, integrated lens.”- Prof. Serena Coetzee

Experiential Learning in Practice

A key point of their visit was experiential learning. Students visited the Lusatia region, observing Resource Nexus connections in real-world settings. Their tour included the town of Weisswasser, active lignite mining operations, and a former mining site now transformed into a lake.

Complementing their field experiences and assignments, students participated in hands-on, experiential training sessions facilitated by UNU-FLORES Communications and Advocacy colleagues. These sessions included Communicating and Advocating in Digital Spaces and Enhancing Presentation Skills for Stronger Advocacy. Exposure to advocacy techniques was considered essential, as students, while primarily engaged with technical matters, will address development challenges upon graduation.

The Road Ahead

The visit concluded with certificate presentations, marking the successful completion of the UNU-FLORES visit and concluding their semester in Dresden. The 2025 cohort will continue their journey in Aachen, Germany, in the upcoming semester. UNU-FLORES looks forward to welcoming and supporting the next cohort of International Joint Masters students.