Swedish Institute (SI) is a public agency engaged with spreading the interest of Sweden concerned to foreign policy, education, international aid and development globally and working in the field of culture, society, research, higher education, business, innovation, democracy and global development. The major objective is to establish cooperation and lasting relations with other countries through strategic communication and exchange in different fields.
The SI awards scholarship to build up and develop good, lasting relationships, exchange and networks with people and institutions in other countries. This year SI have granted 740 scholarships among the candidates of 48 countries within the five scholarship programmes. The scholarship holders are studying in 30 different universities of Sweden. Bangladesh received highest number of scholarships under the category-I study scholarship for the year 2014-2015, thanks to the prioritize scholarship allocation policy of Swedish government.
The SI scholars became member of the SI- Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL), which connects both current scholars and alumni. The members of the SI-NFGL can have generous access to different events, workshops and special news services arranged by Swedish Institute that benefit both career and personal development.
The program was packed with lectures, team work, fun games and networking. The program was started with the inviting speech of Kurt Bratteby, the Director of Swedish Institute, where he introduced the history and the goals of SI scholarship program. He addressed the goal of the scholarship is to promote education and research, which are necessary for peace and positive attitudes, pointing out education is a key to empowerment and advancing development, both individually, nationally and globally. Dr. Jhon Alexander, a cultural consultant of Sweden, then introduced Swedish culture and values among the scholarship recipients. The humorous presentation of 'Fika' culture of Sweden, a Coffee break usually accompanied with something sweet with one's colleagues, friends, date or family, has drawn huge attention among the participants. During the two days program, the scholarship holders had the opportunity to attend in workshops such as SI Network for Future Global Leaders: National and regional possibilities; Leadership skills for efficient communication and Leadership for sustainable development. The two days event was ended with the speech of Marianne Walz, Deputy Head of Talent Mobility Unit, Swedish Institute. In her concluding remarks, she encouraged to develop leadership skills, establish bond with Sweden, broaden our perspective, develop new ideas, make network and explore all the possible opportunities as a member of SI-NFGL. There was also a guided sightseeing tour in Stockholm, where we knew the Viking history of Sweden and visited famous tourist attractions in Stockholm.
As a part of SI-NFGL, it will be our opportunity to develop academic excellence, new skills, bring new initiatives and ideas back in our country and inspire and influence the people to be agent of positive social change for the sustainable development of our beloved Bangladesh.
