On 11 December 2025, UNEP-IEMP warmly welcomed a distinguished alumnus back to its Beijing office: Prof. Dr. Adandé Belarmain Fandohan, Vice President of the National University of Agriculture (NUA) in Benin. The visit marked a significant moment of reconnection and forward-looking collaboration. 

During his exchanges with UNEP-IEMP team, Prof. Fandohan provided a comprehensive overview of the National University of Agriculture, Benin, a key institution driving agricultural education, innovation, and sustainable development in West Africa. He shared insights into the university's strategic priorities and its role in addressing regional challenges related to food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem management. Furthermore, he shared key areas of potential cooperation as well as overall context of Benin and West Africa. 

Dr. Fandohan’s visit to UNEP-IEMP is part of a two-week research cooperation mission in Beijing. As a former postdoctoral research fellow at UNEP-IEMP, his return was a homecoming that highlighted the enduring professional bonds and shared commitment to sustainability science fostered by the programme. It also reinforces the strong collaborative network UNEP-IEMP continues to build with institutions across developing countries for South-South Cooperation.