The Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies (ISPS) signed an MOU with Mashariki Research and Policy Centre(MRPC) Nairobi, Kenya, the 17^th December 2024.

MRPC was represented by CEO, Brig(Rtd) Dr. Robert G. Kabage(PhD) while ISPS was represented by the Executive Director Prof. Dr. Melha Rout Biel.

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to establish a partnership arrangement between Mashariki Research and Policy Centre (MRPC) and Institute For Strategic & Policy Studies (ISPS) to strengthen their commitments on areas of relevance to the aims and objectives of both institutions. The Parties wish to cooperate in areas of mutual agreement as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Whereas, the Mashariki Research and Policy Centre established in 2024 as a non-profit making interdisciplinary and independent think tank whose mandate entails undertaking evidence-based research and analysis to inform policy formulation and decision making processes to state actors, non-state actors, and intergovernmental agencies. The Centre fulfils its mandate by adopting a futuristic outlook focusing on the changing security, development and diplomatic landscape in the Eastern Africa region and Institute for Strategic & Policy Studies (ISPS) is national Non-Governmental Organization registered by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RCC) of Government of South Sudan   under Chapter 3, Section 10 of NGOs Act, 2016. 

 The Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies (ISPS) aims to foster greater understanding of the current issues through non-partisan Research and policy analysis, educational services, humanitarian support for the needy population in South Sudan and beyond, promotion of arts, music and cultures. It is aiming to assist in capacity building of relevant institutions and individuals in respect to developmental fields. 

The Institute conducts and facilitates research projects as well as offering training with the main purpose to inform wider public policy and practice. This is to create opportunities for scientific base discussions and debates. ISPS intention is to improve and contribute toward quality of decision making in public policy, impact and accountability at the national and international policy level with the aims of promoting a peaceful, just and prosperous world.

Areas of Cooperation

The Memorandum enables MRPC and ISPS to identify joint areas of collaboration. In this regard, MRPC and ISPS will collaborate broadly in indicative areas of research interests as follows:

1. Research and Analysis on the below thematic areas:

-Security and Peacebuilding

-Climate change and the environment

-Geopolitics and World Order

-Trade and development

2. Joint grant bidding on thematic areas

3. Joint research seminars and webinars including research dissemination

4. Joint publications such as policy briefs, working papers and book projects and reviews

5. Collaborate on short tailor-designed trainings and capacity building sessions