The Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra, and the Minister-Counsellor of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) at the Australian High Commission in Suva, Ms Judith Robinson, marked the start of a new phase in Australia’s support to USP, as they announced the Commonwealth of Australia - USP Partnership Framework. The Partnership is worth approximately F$32.75 million (A$18.35 million) over the three years 2010-2012 and will result in a closer, stronger and more flexible working arrangement focused on the achievement of shared goals. These include improved student services, increased research capacity to provide services to member governments and people, and strengthened administration and academic programmes. The Partnership makes a significant contribution to the core budget of USP.
In a cocktail held on the evening of Tuesday 18 May 2010 at the University’s Laucala Campus in Suva Fiji to mark the launch of this new partnership, the Vice-Chancellor of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra remarked, “The contribution to the budget supports the University’s core business of preparing the region’s future leaders who, as part of the University’s drive toward greater relevance to the region, are all being encouraged and supported to develop a strong Pacific consciousness, to understand, appreciate, and preserve the natural environment, to be competent in ICT, to comprehend and value good governance, and to achieve higher standards of English competency through the phased introduction of 4 generic courses”.
The University’s Strategic Plan – underpinned by quality, relevance and sustainability – is the roadmap for the University’s response to the region’s human resource development needs, and was fully endorsed by all member countries and donors.
In continuing his remarks at the cocktail launch, Professor Chandra said, “Australia has been a valued and devoted development partner for the USP from the very beginning and remains one of our strongest allies. On behalf of the member governments and the University community, I thank the Australian Government most sincerely for it’s assistance to USP. I would like to assure the Government of Australia, through you Minister-Counsellor, that your taxpayers’ funds will be utilised wisely for the region”.
Professor Chandra affirmed, “We are confident that we will meet the expectations of the Australian Government – and indeed of all our member governments and stakeholders. You will find us a reliable cost-effective, innovative and sustainable partner, conscious of the goodwill and support of the Government and people of Australia, ever since the establishment of USP 42 years ago”. He added, “We will eagerly explore further ways in which we can work even better and more closely in the future”.
In her remarks, the Australian Minister-Counsellor, Ms Judith Robinson said, “USP is one of the major providers of tertiary education in the Pacific. It provides education and training, targeted research and consultancy services and technical expertise to its member countries, development partners, and other Pacific regional organizations”.
The Minister-Counsellor further said, “As a primary source of graduates in the region, USP is a key contributor to the development of Pacific island countries. The Government of Australia is currently sponsoring around three hundred students from the region to study at USP, through the Australian Regional Development Scholarships scheme. We strongly support our Pacific island neighbours in their efforts to have high quality graduates entering the Pacific workforce. USP is central to delivering on this vision”.
“Australia’s intention is to continue to strengthen our engagement with USP by improving the effectiveness of the partnership while continuing to focus on results for the Pacific”, said Ms Robinson.
The Australia - USP Partnership not only funds the continuous improvement of the University’s capacity and services, but is also an opportunity to assist the University’s member countries to improve the quality of education in the region, achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), and address other critical development issues.
Source: USP Media
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