Educational cooperation between the Government of El Salvador and Zamorano University continues to expand through initiatives that promote access to higher education, interinstitutional collaboration, and applied research. In this context, Jeffery P. Cohen, President-Designate of Zamorano University, carried out an institutional agenda in El Salvador focused on strengthening strategic partnerships aligned with the country’s development priorities.
As part of this joint effort, the Government of El Salvador, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, awarded 20 scholarships through the second edition of the Agrobeca Program for studies at Zamorano University. Of these, 15 are full scholarships and 5 are partial scholarships. The program provides high-achieving Salvadoran students with the opportunity to pursue academic training in strategic fields such as agronomy, food agro-industry, agribusiness, and environmental and agricultural development, contributing to the advancement of the national and regional agri-food sector.
The scholarship award ceremony brought together Salvadoran government authorities, including Adriana Mira, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Oscar Figueroa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Acting Executive Director, along with representatives from Zamorano University, including Jeffery P. Cohen, President-Designate; Dr. Ana Maier, Vice President and Academic Dean; Alejandro Osorio, Director of Institutional Development; and Johana Oporta, Zamorano Representative in El Salvador. During the event, speakers highlighted the Government of El Salvador’s commitment to developing young talent and Zamorano’s role as a strategic partner in educating professionals with a strong sense of service and leadership for rural and productive development.
As part of the institutional agenda, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed between Zamorano University and the Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA). The agreement was signed by Ms. Ethel Cabrera, President of ASA, and Jeffery P. Cohen, President-Designate of Zamorano University, establishing a framework for collaboration on academic, scientific, and outreach activities related to sustainable water resource management in El Salvador.
Within the scope of this agreement, the participation of Karla de Palma, Director of ESCO, was highlighted, along with progress on a joint research project at Lake Coatepeque. The project focuses on identifying nutrient sources and contamination through field monitoring, soil and water analysis, and the implementation of a hydrological model to support decision-making and promote the sustainable environmental management of this important ecosystem.
During the visit, President-Designate Cohen also met with strategic partners from the productive sector, including Francisco Quiñónez, President of BEMISAL, who has supported the education of Salvadoran students with an agricultural vocation since 2017. He also held a meeting with Salvadoran businessman Arturo Tona, recognized for his close ties to the agricultural sector and his commitment to education, further strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector.
The agenda additionally included a meeting with Agustín Martínez, businessman and President of the National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP), aimed at exploring synergies that will allow Zamorano University to continue transferring knowledge and offering specialized training programs to support the country’s agri-food sector.
These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of the Government of El Salvador and Zamorano University to quality education, applied research, and the development of partnerships that drive sustainable growth across the region.
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