University of the South Pacific receives funding boost from NZ government

Aotearoa will contribute NZ35.8 million to USP's core funding for the first five years of the partnership. Photo / USP

By RNZ

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has received a multimillion-dollar funding boost after signing a 10-year partnership with the New Zealand government.

The deal, under which Aotearoa will contribute $35.8 million to USP’s core funding for the first five years, was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni in Suva on Wednesday.

The partnership is expected to support USP’s long-term planning and stability as it tries to bounce back from a challenging period after the former Fijian administration cut off its financial contribution.

“USP has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism and an institution that needs to be strengthened for its long-term sustainability,” vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia said.

“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.”

NZ DPM announces new 10-year partnership with the University of the South Pacific - they will also contribute $35 million to the University for the next five years. pic.twitter.com/eCa2Vrgruv

— Susana Suisuiki (@SanaSuisuikiRNZ) April 19, 2023