Scholarship in Denmark – Corporate Social Responsibility

Sometimes I get good positive mails from the Danish Foreign Ministry

This morning I found one that must qualify for the heading of good corporate social responsibility. The MFA together with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has decided to scrap all gifts that was supposed to be handed out to the 15.000 delegates at the global climate summit in Copenhagen this coming December.

The gifts would have had a value of around 700.000 USD and most probably have been bags or pins (or umbrellas since it is taking place in Denmark). Instead the 700.000 USD will be spend on 10-12 two year Master scholarships on Climate related issues. And – you can apply for the scholarships as of today – beware of the early deadline. It happens on this link: www.studyindenmark.dk/climate 

But there is a catch to it. It is 10 to 12 scholarships for applicants from around the globe. Unfortunately not just for Jordanians so no guarantee for success. But I certainly hope that one or more well qualified Jordanians will apply. After all Jordan has shown increasingly focus on energy and climate issues. But the competition will be tough.

So please spread the word.

You’ll find more info in the press release below.

UPDATE 18. October 2009: According to a news paper article 843 students applied for the 11 scholarships. The chosen candidates comes from Albania, Bangladesh, Brasil, China, Cameroun, Columbia, Ghana, India, Latvia, Nigeria and Pakistan. Unfortunately no one from Jordan – but I don’t know if any Jordanian actually applied. 

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ROYAL DANISH EMBASSY IN AMMAN

TEL: +065926620

MAIL: AMMAMB@UM.DK

The Government of Denmark announces COP15 Climate Conference Scholarships

The Danish Government has decided to establish a ‘COP15 Climate Scholarship’ for money saved pursuant to its policy of not giving gifts to participants at the Climate Conference in Copenhagen later this year. The Royal Danish Embassy in Amman encourages Jordanian candidates to apply for a scholarship in tough competition with candidates from all over the world.

At similar international conferences, participants usually receive gifts and so-called conference-kits with various items from the host country. At the COP15 in Copenhagen the number of participants is expected to reach 15.000. As part of its efforts to reduce the environmental and climate impact of the conference, the government has decided to discontinue the practice of giving gifts. The DKK 4 million (app. USD 700.000) hereby saved will instead be spent on climate scholarships allowing 10-12 candidates from all over the world to carry out 2-year climate related master’s programs at Danish universities.

“Our 0-gift policy and the COP15 Climate Scholarship are good signals to send at a conference which requires innovation in terms of the way we use our resources. Although there is no doubt as to the good intentions behind giving gifts, we have often experienced how conference kits end up in garbage bins at conference venues and hotels. We want break that habit in Copenhagen and spend the money in a constructive way”, says Minister for Development Cooperation, Ulla Tørnæs.

“The COP15 Climate Scholarship puts a spotlight on Denmark’s strong position in climate related research and the good possibilities for qualifying yourself at Danish universities. Besides, the scholarship is in line with the Government’s goal to increase the exchange of students across borders. With this scholarship, we hope to welcome a group of clever young people from all over the world who will become highly motivated to make a difference, and furthermore will get an exhaustive knowledge about Danish technology and research”, says Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Helge Sander.

Interested Jordanian candidates are advised to consult www.studyindenmark.dk/climate for more information on the COP15 Climate Scholarship. Interested candidates should be the best students in their field and be fluent in English in both speaking and writing.

For further inquiries please contact

Royal Danish Embassy in Amman – Jens Ole Bach Hansen – jenhan@um.dk