The Navarra Center for International Development (NCID), one of eight research projects within the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) of the University of Navarra, and the MODERNA Foundation have launched the "Transferring the MODERNA Plan to Developing Countries" project, funded by the Caja Navarra Foundation. Lasting 12 months, the project will develop between 6 and 8 publishable working documents.

This initiative seeks to transfer the MODERNA economic plan to two developing countries, Kenya and South Africa, through a rigorous study of the plan's success factors and the circumstances of each country. "Universally applicable solutions do not exist," clarified Pedro Mendi, NCID researcher, who considers it fundamental "to partner with local agents in the destination country to create permanent, open dialogue and enrich learning in both directions."

Cernin Martínez Yoldi, director general of the MODERNA Foundation, explained that the goal of this collaboration is to "design protocol for implementing innovative development plans in these countries, learning from Navarra's growing experience, which has been involved with the MODERNA Plan since 2008."

 

Private initiative, local solutions and knowledge

According to Prof. Mendi, both ICS's poverty and development project (NCID) and the MODERNA Foundation adhere to the same fundamental pillars: "Both organizations, founded in the private sector, understand that the search for local solutions and the importance of knowledge is crucial for the development of any country."

"Both organizations aim to contribute to the economic development of different regions and countries," Cernin Martinez noted. MODERNA is focused on Navarra region and on the implementation of projects involving companies, government and the educational system. NCID directs its effort, with an academic and research focus, at developing countries."

Additionally, it is worth noting that the Caja Navarra Foundation will also fund two other ICS research projects, both within ICS's Education of Human Affectivity and Sexuality project. The first research project studies "Risky sexual behaviors after a negative HIV test in the Council and Voluntary HIV Diagnosis (CDV): A study of frequency and possible determinants in the Kinshasa Congolese population (Democratic Republic of Congo)" and is directed by Silvia Carlos Chillerón. Jokin de Irala will lead the second research project entitled "Socio-ecological promotion of sexual health among Navarra adolescents." Both experts are also professors in the School of Medicine.