With the ongoing global fracas where colonisation, racism, intolerance and cultural mis-exchange are grabbing headlines, it is worth noting that perhaps our next generation is working towards something better. As recently reported in the international ALERT bulletin – Funding from the European Union, 600 000 Euro is set to boost higher education cooperation between the EU and Australia and New Zealand. This is the third EU-Australia and the first EU-New Zealand Pilot Cooperation Programme in higher education. Viviane Reding, European commissioner in charge of Education and Culture, said the programmes will promote mutual understanding between the people of the European Union and Australia and New Zealand respectively, including broader knowledge of their languages, cultures and institutions, in order to meet the challenges of the global, knowledge-based economy. According to Commissioner Reding 48 to 90 EU students will participate in the programmes. ‘There is no doubt that Europe, New Zealand and Australia can all profit from dialogue, exchange of experiences and best practices, and above all, institutional cooperation. Education cooperation is a powerful tool to improve mutual understanding, reduce distance and build long lasting personal and institutional relationships. The projects are examples of concrete cooperation activities with Australia and New Zealand and will be funded jointly with the partner countries.’ She confirmed. The deadline for submission of proposals is 16 June 2004. For guidelines and application forms, CLICK HERE