USP/GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

18 May - Today the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra, and Minister-Counsellor of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) at the Australian High Commission in Suva, 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.

“This historic partnership enhances Australia - USP cooperation beyond that of the traditional donor-recipient relationship. The Government of Australia has sent a clear message of confidence and support for USP’s development priorities, as detailed in the USP Strategic Plan 2010-2012 with its emphasis on ‘Quality, Relevance, and Sustainability’”, remarked the Vice-Chancellor.

The Partnership Framework includes core funding; support for the implementation of the Strategic Plan; and funding for special projects, which will be provided to the University for demonstrating results. Under the Partnership, by mutual agreement, AusAID may provide additional funds to USP for projects in areas such as climate change that are mutual priorities. Two such projects are currently being implemented by USP, namely the Future Climate Leaders’ Program and the Pacific Regional Land Program, which comprise scholarships for promising young students in the areas of climate change and land management, as well as funds to strengthen the relevant academic programmes at the University.

Australia has supported USP since its establishment in 1968 and recognises that USP, as a Pacific regional organisation, has an important role to play in the development of the Pacific. The Government of Australia also annually sponsors more than four hundred students from the region to study at USP, through the Australian Regional Development Scholarships scheme.

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 (MDGs), and address other critical development issues.