The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme (KCFP) was officially launched on October 24, 2024, by His Majesty, King Charles III, in Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
This innovative and ambitious interdisciplinary initiative aims to create a lasting positive impact across the Caribbean and Pacific regions. The program will be implemented in collaboration with members of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), with the University of South Pacific and the University of the West Indies acting as regional hubs, alongside various local and Commonwealth partners, including the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.
KCFP focuses on enhancing capacity in crucial areas such as education, health, and disaster resilience engineering. Additionally, it will equip local authorities and civil service teams with the necessary practical tools and knowledge to promote long-term resilience in the face of intersecting development challenges.
By establishing a network of “King’s Fellows,” the program aims to encourage partnerships, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving among Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The launch ceremony was co-hosted by Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, along with staff and around 50 students from USP’s member countries. Professor Ahluwalia noted that the KCFP represents a significant advancement in capacity building and educational access within SIDS.
“This is a thrilling and remarkable initiative by His Majesty King Charles III, and USP is honored to serve as a regional hub and key partner with ACU and the University of the West Indies in executing the KCFP,” stated Professor Ahluwalia. He emphasized the program’s potential to foster a highly skilled workforce, which is essential for stimulating innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable development in SIDS.
He also expressed appreciation to the ACU for making the KCFP a reality. The KCFP will be conducted under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which has positively transformed the lives of over 38,000 individuals since its establishment by Commonwealth education ministers in 1959.
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