At the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in Tonga, leaders received assurances regarding the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) pivotal role in transforming the Blue Pacific into a skilled society. USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, addressed forum leaders alongside other heads of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies.
Professor Ahluwalia emphasized USP’s commitment to training and producing skilled graduates who will drive a dynamic and productive knowledge economy, essential for realizing the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy. Forum leaders acknowledged USP’s distinctive position as the region’s leading institution for higher education, research, and policy guidance.
He commended the Chair of PIF and Prime Minister of Tonga for prioritizing ‘Education and Health’ on the leaders’ agenda after a long absence. The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), hosted at USP, was identified by leaders as a crucial catalyst for developing resilient, inclusive, and high-quality educational systems across the region.
Climate change was a significant topic during the discussions, with Professor Ahluwalia updating leaders about the newly established ‘Centre for Sustainable Futures’ at USP, which aims to be instrumental in the region’s collective efforts to tackle climate-related challenges. The Centre focuses on building resilient and adaptive economies by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a comprehensive approach to training and research.
Professor Ahluwalia reiterated USP’s dedication to enhancing regional structures that promote the development of ICT in the Pacific, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity at the upcoming ICT Ministerial Meeting and the establishment of a governance framework that includes the Regional Regulatory Authority (RRA). This will be pursued in close partnership with all CROP agencies.
He noted that USP presently chairs both the CROP ICT Working Group and the CROP Working Group on Human Resource Development, contributing actively to all other groups through its memberships. Professor Ahluwalia also addressed significant global shifts in the higher education sector, including changes in student demographics and labor mobility issues. He stated, “USP is responding to these challenges through themes of Consolidation, Transformation, Innovation, and Sustainability.”