The University of the South Pacific (USP) held its second briefing session with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) diplomats, based in Fiji on 18 November 2016.
Its main purpose was to brief the diplomats on the outcomes of the 83rd USP Council Meeting; progress towards implementation of the USP Strategic Plan (2013-2018); update them on USP’s role in European Development Fund (EDF) 11 Pacific Regional Indicative Programme; Regional ICT Initiative and strengthened CROP ICT Working Group; and to discuss USP’s plans for its 50th Anniversary celebrations and how PICs can be actively engaged in marking this important event.
Diplomats who attended the briefing included Her Excellency Mrs Litia Mawi, Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific; H.E. Ms Kim Aroi, Nauru High Commissioner, Nauru High Commission; H.E Mr John Patteson Oti, Solomon Islands High Commissioner; Solomon Islands High Commission; Mr Albon Ishoda, Minister Counsellor / Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI); Mr Wilson Waguk, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); Ms Lorainne Taulima, First Secretary, Tuvalu High Commission; and Mr Vilikesa Naivalucava, Principal Foreign Service Officer, Roving Ambassador to the Pacific Division.
USP was represented by Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President, USP Senior Management Team and Mr Jaindra Karan, Director Development, Marketing, Communications and Alumni including his staff.
Professor Chandra welcomed the Diplomats saying their presence signified a much greater commitment and the bold aspirations of their respective Governments in supporting and working together with USP, towards uplifting the human resource capacity and creating equitable and sustainable development in the region.
“This kind of consultation is very important because while there will be a lot of emphasis on what USP is doing, we want you to suggest on where we might be able to steer the University better or to meet your expectations,” he informed the Diplomats.
The briefing he said, presented a platform for both sides to share the University’s preparations and plans for its 50th Anniversary in 2018 and discuss how PICs can be actively involved in celebrating this important event.
“We are particularly interested in collaborating with you in ensuring that the celebrations are held in regional campuses as well with support from your respective Governments,” Professor Chandra stated.
Professor Chandra acknowledged the work done by the member countries in leveraging USP’s physical presence in the regional campuses.
“We all believe in the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, SAMOA Pathway and Sustainable Development Goals, and on our part, we are ready to work together in a collaborative manner to accelerate implementation of regional and global mandates on important priorities of our region,” he stated.
Professor Chandra updated them on the outcomes of the 83rd Council meeting and regional campus developments including Solomon Islands, RMI, Nauru, Tuvalu and Tonga campuses.
On quality, Professor Chandra stated that there was a total of 18 programmes internationally accredited and 4 recognised.
Diplomats were informed that USP had come up with two inventions that have received patent registered under the Australian Patents Act. These are the mobile cane for the blind and visually impaired and portable wave solar energy harvesting device.
“The University is proactively engaging and taking a lead role in participating in dialogue with its member countries and in finding solutions for development issues that are encountered at regional and national levels,” Professor Chandra added.
H.E Oti said the Solomon Islands and USP have come a long way in terms of tertiary education in the Solomon Islands.
“Our partnership has been beneficial in terms of an educated tertiary sector. USP has contributed immensely to the development of Solomon Islands,” he added.
With regards to the construction of the new Solomon Islands campus, H.E Oti confirmed that, “we are close to starting the process now having signed the guarantee agreement for the loan”.
This he said was a very important project for Solomon Islands as they hoped for its completion to coincide with celebrations for USP’s 50th Anniversary.
Ms Taulima reaffirmed the Government of Tuvalu’s support in everything USP does for its students
The diplomats present congratulated for the work that was currently done by USP’s under its strategic planning.
Professor Chandra concluded the briefing session by reaffirming USP’s commitment to have close communication with its member countries with hopes to continue the same level of engagement.