Leaders attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in Tonga received confirmation of the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) essential role in promoting social and economic transformation within the Blue Pacific through the cultivation of a skilled society.
During the session, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, spoke to Forum leaders, accompanied by other heads of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies. He emphasized the university’s commitment to educating and training graduates who will support the development of a dynamic and productive knowledge economy, which is vital for achieving the goals outlined in the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
PIF leaders recognized USP as the leading institution for higher education, research, and policy support in the region. Prof Ahluwalia also extended congratulations to the Chair of PIF and Tonga’s Prime Minister for placing “Education and Health” on the leaders’ agenda after a significant hiatus.
The leaders identified the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), which is managed by USP, as a key component for fostering resilient, inclusive, and high-quality educational systems across the Pacific. Climate change also remained a focal point of discussions throughout the sessions, during which Prof Ahluwalia informed the leaders about the newly established “Centre for Sustainable Futures” at USP. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the region’s efforts in addressing climate change, while also promoting adaptive and transformative economies.
The Centre aims to unify expertise, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and encourage a comprehensive approach to education and research so that the strengths of different specialized institutions can be effectively utilized to tackle climate change in a holistic manner across Pacific Island Countries.
Prof Ahluwalia reiterated USP’s dedication to enhancing existing regional frameworks that support the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Pacific. He stressed the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity during the upcoming ICT Ministerial Meeting and working towards developing a governance structure that incorporates the Regional Regulatory Authority (RRA), in collaboration with all CROP agencies.
As the chair of the CROP ICT Working Group and the CROP Working Group on Human Resource Development, USP actively participates in other working groups as well. Prof Ahluwalia also updated leaders on significant global changes occurring in the Higher Education Sector, highlighting shifts in student demographics and labor mobility concerns. He stated, “USP is addressing these challenges through the themes of Consolidation, Transformation, Innovation, and Sustainability.”