“This partnership secures our ambitions and allows us to focus on the long-term economic, social and cultural development of USP’s member countries and to address their specific national needs.”
USP is jointly owned by the governments of 12 Pacific Island nations. New Zealand and Australia have been part of the university since its inception in 1968.
Sepuloni said the deal reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the USP and the important role it plays in the region.
“This partnership will support an enduring and thriving university. It’s a partnership that is grounded in the value of Pacific regionalism, informed by Pacific knowledge and cultures and led by Pacific people.”
It also provided Aotearoa New Zealand with the opportunity to support the university’s strategic direction, as well as to deliver against shared priorities.
“It also supports Pacific action on the region’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and work towards countries’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
She said New Zealand was committed to upholding regional security and stability in the Pacific “to maintain and build on the institutions that have long maintained peace and security within our region”.
“Empowering Pacific-led development strengthens the autonomy, long-term resilience and prosperity of the region.”
