The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been appointed as the vice-chair of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG14 Hub, which focuses on the preservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of life below water. This recognition showcases USP’s deep commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable development, crucial elements for the Pacific Island nations’ identity and future.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Prof. Pal Ahluwalia, expressed the university’s honor in being selected for this role, stating that it illustrates USP’s ongoing dedication to protecting the Blue Pacific continent. “As we move forward, USP will harness its extensive research capabilities and engage in regional collaborations to ensure our insights and expertise contribute to global discussions on climate and marine challenges,” he said.
In line with this new responsibility, Prof. Ahluwalia highlighted USP’s establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Futures, which aims to advance research on critical issues intersecting oceans and climate change. This center will play a significant role in addressing local and global sustainability challenges.
USP joins the University of Pernambuco in Brazil and the University of Cape Town in South Africa as vice-chairs of the Hub, with the University of Bergen in Norway serving as the chair. UiB’s Rector, Margareth Hagen, welcomed USP to its new leadership role, noting the longstanding collaborative relationship between the institutions, especially in research focusing on sustainable ocean topics.
This new appointment builds upon USP’s previously recognized success in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which noted significant advancements in SDG14 and SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals. Prof. Ahluwalia emphasized that these achievements not only underline USP’s growing influence in higher education but also reflect the broader regional commitment to sustainable development.
With these initiatives, USP is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts and ocean conservation, representing a hopeful commitment to tackling the pressing environmental challenges faced by the Pacific region.
The advancement into a leadership role in the UNAI SDG14 Hub is a promising step that reflects both the university’s and the region’s commitment to sustainable development. By uniting educational institutions with global goals, there is potential for a positive impact on both local communities and the planet.
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