With great shock, we learned yesterday that the Flemish government has announced its intention not to renew the management agreement with the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp. The funding associated with the management agreement amounts to \u20ac2,643,429 in 2025 and forms the backbone of our operations, sustaining 32 core staff and our teaching and research activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since its creation in 2000 IOB has consistently received highly positive evaluations. Only weeks ago, as requested by the Flemish government administration, we submitted our new policy plan and our budget for the 2026\u20132030 period. Like earlier agreements, the ongoing 5-year management agreement (2021-2025) announces its renewal in case of a positive evaluation. Negotiations with the Flemish government administration on a new agreement are well advanced. Yesterday\u2019s announcement therefore comes as a great surprise and goes against the reasonable expectations created by the Flemish government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
IOB is widely recognised as a global key player in development studies, and for its regional expertise on Central Africa. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, IOB offers three Master programmes that are particularly oriented towards students from the Global South, while also attracting participants from the Global North. Our global network of high-level alumni active in governments, international organisations, business, NGOs, academia enhances the soft power of Flanders and Belgium by strengthening their visibility, influence and partnerships worldwide. In doing so, IOB contributes directly to the international reputation and policy impact of Flanders and Belgium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes the announcement particularly painful is the timing of its supposed implementation, which would mean we only have 3 months of funding left. This leaves us with pressing concerns about how we can complete the current academic year responsibly, and about the consequences for our students, staff, and international partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We therefore regard this announcement as both misinformed and short-sighted, with potentially harmful consequences not only for our institute, but also for the international reputation of Flanders as a hub of academic excellence and global engagement, as well as for the many policy actors with whom we collaborate on a daily basis \u2013 both in Flanders and the Global South. We hope that in the next steps \u2013 the parliamentary debate, and conversations with the Flemish government \u2013 this can be addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strengthened by your support and your voices, we\u2019ve been pursuing several strategies to secure IOB\u2019s future.
We continue to advocate for revisiting the decision to discontinue the funding, with several MPs now raising critical questions. In parallel, we\u2019ve initiated constructive discussions with the University of Antwerp \u2014 aiming to continue as a more lean version of IOB. It will not be business as usual, but our focus on high-quality education, critical research, and social relevance remains unchanged.
\ud83d\udc99 Good news: IOB will continue its education programmes in the academic year 2026\u20132027. The academic quality and accreditation of our Master programmes remain fully ensured within the University of Antwerp. We will keep offering high-quality, internationally recognized education and supporting a diverse student community dedicated to addressing global development challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sign the petition to oppose cuts to IOB\u2019s core funding & protect students\u2019 futures, global collaboration & academic excellence. https:\/\/chng.it\/8DhtrFSBpm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stand with our students and staff<\/em> \u2014please share your thoughts below or stand with us in this crucial moment.<\/em> #SaveIOB<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With great shock, we learned yesterday that the Flemish government has announced its intention not to renew … <\/p>\n