Privacy Policy

The Research Institute for Knowledge and Sustainable Development (RIKESD) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, participate in our programs, or use our services.

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name, email address, and contact information
• Professional background and research interests
• Educational qualifications and work experience
• Program application and registration information
• Payment information for paid services
• Communication preferences and feedback

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser information
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website and search terms used
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our services and programs
• To process applications and registrations
• To communicate with you about our services and events
• To send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• To process payments and manage accounts
• To conduct research and analysis to improve our offerings
• To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• To prevent fraud and ensure security

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
• Service providers: With trusted third parties who assist in our operations
• Program partners: With partner organizations for collaborative programs
• Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In connection with mergers or acquisitions
• Aggregated data: Non-personal, statistical information for research purposes

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Staff training on data protection practices
• Secure data storage and backup systems

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Improve website functionality and performance

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for processing where applicable

8. International Data Transfers

As RIKESD operates internationally, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the purpose for processing.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes through our website or other appropriate means. The updated policy will be effective when posted.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: