The Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, has reiterated the institution’s dedication to training and producing knowledgeable, skilled graduates to support a dynamic and productive knowledge economy.
During his address to Pacific leaders gathered in Tonga, Professor Ahluwalia highlighted the significant global changes affecting the higher education sector, including the evolving student demographic and challenges surrounding labor mobility.
“USP is addressing these challenges through key themes of consolidation, transformation, innovation, and sustainability,” he stated at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) on Tuesday.
Pacific leaders acknowledged USP’s vital role as the region’s leading provider of higher education, training, research, and policy guidance.
He emphasized that climate change is a crucial topic under discussion at the meeting, introducing the newly established “Centre for Sustainable Futures” at USP. He described the center as a transformative asset in the region’s joint efforts to tackle climate-related challenges, including developing resilient and adaptable economies.
Professor Ahluwalia explained that this center aims to unite and leverage the strengths of specialized institutions to effectively address climate change challenges throughout the Pacific Island Countries.
Additionally, he urged leaders to prioritize cybersecurity at the upcoming ICT Ministerial Meeting and to work on a governance framework that includes the Regional Regulatory Authority (RRA).
The PIFLM is scheduled to conclude today.