Home > News > 2026 | Namur welcomes HEPN partners: a delegation from Cégep Lanaudière (Quebec), the University of Lwiro and the Development Centre of Mudaka (DRC)

2026 | Namur welcomes HEPN partners: a delegation from Cégep Lanaudière (Quebec), the University of Lwiro and the Development Centre of Mudaka (DRC)

As part of the 2024-2026 cooperation agreement between the City of Namur and the City of Terrebonne, Cégep Lanaudière was put in contact with the HEPN (Haute École en Province de Namur), through the initiative of the International Relations Office of the City of Namur.

This connection led to the establishment of a partnership between the HEPN, Cégep Lanaudière, the University of Lwiro and the Development Centre of Mudaka, focused on an applied research project with a direct impact in Mudaka.

In this context, the International Relations Office of the City of Namur welcomed a delegation to Namur from 24 to 27 February, composed of:

  • the Rector of the University of Lwiro (DRC), professor of economics and specialist in microfinance;
  • a research assistant from the same university, specialising in the environment;
  • two doctors from the Development Centre of Mudaka (DRC), experts in public health and humanitarian action;
  • two researchers from Cégep Lanaudière – CERESO (Quebec), specialising in social innovation and applied research.
1. Présentation Echevines

The programme highlighted several structural projects led by the municipal authorities:

Ms Stéphanie Scailquin, Deputy Mayor for Town Planning,Territorial Development and Ecological Transition, presented Namur’s food belt. The meeting took place in the presence of Ms Anne Barzin, First Alderwoman and Alderwoman for Finance, Land Policy and Housing, International Relations and the Citadel, particularly in relation to her responsibilities in municipal land management.

Exchanges focused on the City’s actions in ecological transition, with particular interest in initiatives related to sustainable food and citizen participation processes.

2. Foyer Jambois 1

Mr Tanguy Auspert, Alderman for Heritage and Internal Management, presented, as President of the Foyer Jambois, the dynamics of this public and social housing organisation: its functioning, organisation, values and the support provided to beneficiaries.

Discovering local initiatives

The delegation also had the opportunity to discover several concrete organisations:

  • the central kitchen of the Namur Public Centre for Social Welfare, with Mr Alain Sorée, general manager of the Public Centre for Social Welfare of Namur;
  • the Ressourcerie Namuroise, presented by its founder and general manager, Mr Marc Detraux;
  • the Ferme du Grand Feu in Bouge and the NID – Smart and Sustainable Namur, in the presence of Alderwoman Stéphanie Scailquin;
  • the Visitor Centre of the Citadel, accessible via the cable car, as well as a visit of the city centre.

This visit illustrates the determination of Namur to strengthen international cooperation while showcasing its local policies in sustainability, housing, and social innovation.