The University of Brescia is one of the partners in the international Migration and Displacement Action Plan for Sub-Saharan Africa (MAPS) project, funded by the European Commission and coordinated by La Sapienza University of Rome. The initiative involves European and African universities, international organizations, and UNESCO Chairs with the aim of improving knowledge and providing support tools for public policies on migration and forced displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project focuses on ten African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, South Sudan, and South Africa. The planned activities include data collection through interviews, focus groups, and field surveys; the organization of three summer schools for young researchers; the creation of a digital platform (DigiMAPS) for sharing results; as well as conferences and a final forum to disseminate knowledge, good practices, and policy recommendations. A central element of the project is the training of 40 young African researchers, selected through long-term scholarships and supported by supervisors from both African and European universities. The researchers will actively participate in data collection and analysis, contributing to the publication of scientific studies and the development of new academic and professional skills.
The contributio of the University of Brescia will be divided into several phases: participation in the Coordination Committee, analysis of existing data and policies, organization of an international webinar dedicated to the theme of Prosperity (education, health, social inclusion) within the framework of UNESCO Chairs, as well as involvement in research activities and the dissemination of results. UniBs will also participate in the development of the MAPS Laboratory and support young researchers involved in the project.
MAPS is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and European migration policies, promoting a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach that integrates research, training, and intercultural dialogue.