16 February 2017
A new partnership between UniSA and the Alliance Francaise d'Adelaïde will promote French society, language and culture and the relationship between France and Australia, with a focus on key themes such as the emerging defence relationship between the two countries.
UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and Director of Alliance Francaise d'Adelaïde, Laurent Pointud, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster a new era of academic exchange and cooperation.
Prof Lloyd welcomed the new partnership, which comes at a time when the Australian French relationship is more important than ever before.
“France and Australia have a close relationship founded on shared values of democracy and human rights, substantial commercial links, and a keen interest in each other's cultures,” Prof Lloyd says.
“UniSA and Alliance Francaise d'Adelaïde also have mutual interests in the promotion of France and its society, culture, language and place in the world, and the relationship between France and Australia.
“Together we will be exploring opportunities that make a significant impact in the promotion of research and industry collaborations that are important to French-Australian relations, such as defence and related matters.
“Importantly, the MOU will build on UniSA’s strategic engagement with French industry and universities in the context of building skills and the research and development base required for the DCNS submarine contract, which is a crucial component of the future South Australian economy.”
Director of Alliance Francaise d'Adelaïde, Laurent Pointud, says the MOU will provide the foundations for a strong and fruitful relationship with UniSA.
“South Australians understand the importance of France and are eager to understand French culture, society and their place in the world,” Mr Pointud says.
“The State has a vibrant French community keen to contribute at every level and it is through these connections that we can establish successful links with French companies, educational institutions and cultural centres to open new opportunities for industry and cultural engagement.
“We are looking forward to the dynamic program of events that will be delivered under the partnership and exploring other opportunities to promote engagement with French language and culture in the South Australian community.”
The agreement builds on the existing strong collaborative relationships that UniSA continues to develop with organisations and universities in France, and provides an opportunity to further advance collaboration in research and teaching of French language and culture, and bilingual education.
Ambassador of the Republic of France to Australia, His Excellency Mr Christophe Lecourtier, has also welcomed the partnership.
“As France and Australia develop ever closer relations, I am delighted to see the launch of this new strategic partnership between Alliance Française d'Adelaïde and the University of South Australia, which will play an important part in developing mutual cultural, political and business understanding between our two countries.”
The partnership will include:
- an annual program of events on themes relevant to France and to Australian-French relations, to be promoted and organised through UniSA’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, including lectures, debates, “in conversations”, film screenings and performances;
- a joint partnership to support French artist residency programmes in Adelaide;
- special events to complement the French Film Festival and similar France-themed keystones throughout the year;
- other activities considered by the parties to be of benefit to each party and the promotion of French-Australian relations.
Media Contact: Katrina McLachlan (08) 8302 0961 katrina.mclachlan@unisa.edu.au 0414972537
