The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) was officially launched on October 24, 2024, in Samoa, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with His Majesty King Charles III present.
This innovative initiative aims to create a transformative, long-lasting impact across the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The program will be operated in collaboration with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), with the University of the South Pacific and the University of the West Indies acting as regional hubs. It will also include various local and Commonwealth partners, such as the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
KCFP’s focus is on strengthening essential sectors like education, health, and disaster resilience engineering. It aims to equip local authorities and civil service teams with actionable tools and knowledge to enhance long-term resilience through a holistic approach to multisectoral development challenges.
The program seeks to establish a prestigious network of “King’s Fellows,” promoting partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative solutions among Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The launch ceremony was co-hosted by Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, alongside staff and about 50 students representing USP’s member countries. Professor Ahluwalia emphasized that the launch of the KCFP marks a significant advancement in capacity building and access to education within SIDS.
“This is an exciting and remarkable initiative by His Majesty King Charles III, and USP is proud to be a regional hub and a key partner with ACU and the University of the West Indies in implementing the KCFP,” said Professor Ahluwalia. He noted the program’s potential to develop a highly skilled workforce critical for fostering innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable development in SIDS.
He also expressed appreciation to the ACU for realizing the KCFP.
The KCFP will fall under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which has significantly impacted the lives of over 38,000 individuals since its establishment by Commonwealth education ministers in 1959.
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