From Knowledge to Development Impact is the title of a meeting series hosted by the GRÓ Centre for Capacity Development, Sustainability and Societal Change, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland. The first meeting was held November 5th 2025 and focused on the Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP), this second meeting took place in Akureyri February 4th and focused on the Fisheries Training Programme, GRÓ-FTP.

The goal of the series is to highlight Iceland’s contribution to global capacity building through the four GRÓ Training Programmes, a key component of Iceland‘s international development cooperation.

The Fisheries Training Programme (GRÓ-FTP), an initiative launched in 1998, was designed to strengthen capacity in fisheries by promoting training, education, research, and knowledge-sharing among fisheries professionals.

What are the signs of sustainable development in fisheries in GRÓ FTP partner countries? What is the impact of the work of the GRÓ FTP to sustainable development? How do fellows apply their training and experience from the six-month training in Iceland to make an impact at home?

We heard directly from fellows as they shared their experiences and insights on how capacity strengthening can drive progress in global development.

Speakers:

Dr. Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, Rector of the University of Akureyri, bid guests welcome followed by an opening address delivered by Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Dr. Anthony Taabu-Munyaho, Director of IBLuES and a former director of NaFIRRI and Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (2004 GRÓ FTP fellow and PhD scholarship recipient), gave a keynote address detailing his experience of GRÓ-FTP and afterwards a video was shown highlighting the experiences of former GRÓ-GTP students from around the world. Next was a panel discussion moderated by Þór Heiðar Ásgeirsson, Director of the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme. Participants were Dr. Olanrewaju Femi Olagunju, 2019 GRÓ FTP fellow and PhD scholarship recipient (Nigeria), Annakay Tishana Crawford, current GRÓ FTP fellow (Jamaica) and Solomon Haeremai current GRÓ FTP fellow (Papua New Guinea). To conclude Nína Björk Jónsdóttir, Director General of the GRÓ Centre, offered closing remarks.

The next meetings in this series will be held March 3, focusing on The Gender Equality Studies Training Programme, GRÓ - GEST and May 7 focusing on The Land Restoration Training Programme, GRÓ - LRT.

Current Fellows at GRÓ-FTP