During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting held in Tonga, leaders received assurances about the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) pivotal role in fostering social and economic transformation in the Blue Pacific through the development of a skilled society.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, addressed the Forum leaders, along with other heads of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies, underscoring the university’s commitment to producing educated and skilled graduates. These graduates are essential for cultivating a dynamic and productive knowledge economy that is integral to achieving the goals outlined in the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.
The leaders acknowledged USP as the premier institution in the region dedicated to higher education, training, research, and policy advising. Prof. Ahluwalia praised the Chair of PIF and Prime Minister of Tonga for prioritizing education and health on the leaders’ agenda after nearly a decade.
The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), hosted at USP, was recognized by leaders as a crucial facilitator for developing resilient, inclusive, and high-quality education systems across the region. Additionally, climate change was a major focus during the sessions, with Prof. Ahluwalia informing leaders about the newly launched ‘Centre for Sustainable Futures’ at USP, which aims to enhance collective efforts to tackle climate-related challenges and foster resilient economies.
The Centre seeks to consolidate expertise, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and adopt a comprehensive approach to training and research, ensuring that various specialized institutions work together to holistically address climate change in the Pacific Island Countries.
Prof. Ahluwalia reiterated USP’s commitment to reinforcing existing regional structures that support the growth of ICT in the Pacific. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity at the upcoming ICT Ministerial Meeting and developing a governance framework that includes the Regional Regulatory Authority (RRA), all in collaboration with CROP agencies.
Currently, USP chairs the CROP ICT Working Group and the CROP Working Group on Human Resource Development and plays an active role in all other working groups. He also discussed significant global changes affecting the Higher Education Sector, notably the evolving student demographic and labor mobility issues.
“USP is addressing these challenges through themes of Consolidation, Transformation, Innovation, and Sustainability,” Prof. Ahluwalia remarked.