SPEECH BY NEW ZEALAND PM JACINDA ARDERN TO USP STAFF AND STUDENTS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 02 | FEBRUARY 2020 | www.usp.ac.fj/uspbeat
SPEECH BY NEW ZEALAND PM JACINDA ARDERN
TO USP STAFF AND STUDENTS
New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern delivering a speech to delegates, staff and students
of The University of the South Pacific’s (USP)
New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right High Commissioner to Fiji; Members of flourish well into the future.
Honourable Jacinda Ardern delivered a the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives
“New Zealand has been instrumental
speech to invited guests, staff and students of the CROP Organisations; Members of
in supporting many developments at
at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) the University Council, Senate, Senior
the University among which is our
at Japan- Pacific ICT Multi- Purpose Theatre, Management Team, staff, students and the
telecommunications network by funding
Laucala Campus, on 26 February 2020. media.
the initial USPNet Satellite. New Zealand is
She shared her experience of upbringing in In welcoming her to the University, Professor currently supporting the upgrade of USPNet
a small town called Murupara and how that Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor & President across all the regional campuses in 12
taught her about inequality. She stated when warmly welcomed Hon Ardern, saying USP member countries. I mention USPNet because
she became the Prime Minister, how she has had a long association with New Zealand it is crucial to the University as it connects
made herself the Minister for Child Poverty since 1968. our students across our member countries,”
Reduction in order to right the wrongs she Professor Ahluwalia said.
saw as a child. “Historically, the land that we are located
on here at Laucala was the home for the 5 The Government of New Zealand provides
The event was attended by Hon Rosy
Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force about 130 scholarship annually for regional
Akbar, Minister for Education, Heritage &
from 1942 to 1967,” he commented. students to study at USP.
Arts; Hon Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister
for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation; Professor Ahluwalia said New Zealand has In her address, Prime Minister Ardern said the
Hon Semi Koroilavesau, Minister for been a valued partner for over 51 years and first injustices that she saw as a child makes
Fisheries; Mr. Jonathan Curr, New Zealand USP is certain this partnership will continue to her strive for a remedy.
Continued on Page 2
In this
issue:
USP Hosts High-Level USP Emalus Campus Hosts
3 Ministerial Panel on Trade 5 Food Systems Training Workshop 7 USP Entrepreneutrial Fair 2020
U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 1
Continued from Page 1
“And I want to install fairness and kindness as
guiding values of good government, because
frankly individualism and the politics of fear
have failed us,” she said.
Prime Minister Ardern said that New Zealand
is a Pacific country and we share history,
culture, politics, family and rugby sevens. She
stated that as part of the Pacific family we are
deeply conscious that our identity, security
and prosperity “are inextricably linked to
yours. We have, in a very genuine sense, a
shared Pacific future, perhaps more now than
ever before”.
Prime Minister Ardern noted that climate
change continues to have a significant impact
on the people of the region, as coasts erode,
sea levels rise, and fish stocks move.
New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern with invited guests, staff and
“But with perhaps the exception of the students at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP)
climate crisis these challenges are not new.
But what is new is the ever increasing global That she stated, is why under the auspices of She said that with five community relocations
interest in the Pacific region, in your home,” the Pacific Islands Forum, leaders have called under way or completed in Fiji and a further
she said. for the development of a 2050 Strategy for forty identified, this is an issue.
the Blue Pacific to provide a long-term vision
“Pacific Island leaders last year noted According to Prime Minister, it is fitting to be
of what we want to achieve together for the
that – alongside the impact of climate talking about the importance of regionalism
region.
change – increasing strategic competition and leadership at USP, which is a training
was exacerbating our region’s particular Prime Minister Ardern said that is also why ground for future leaders.
vulnerabilities.” at the last Pacific Island Forum, Leaders
“USP is a wonderful example of regionalism in
issued the strongest collective statement on
That she said, serves to highlight why now action. It is jointly owned by the governments
climate change that has ever been released,
more than ever our Pacific values must rise to of twelve Pacific countries and is so very
recognising that there is no greater priority
the fore – cooperation. important to the region, being the largest
than the need to address the impacts of
“We here in the Pacific have long known that climate change. source of tertiary-educated graduates in
we are so much stronger and so much more the Pacific for over fifty years. Many Pacific
“And it’s why New Zealand announced leaders and politicians have studied at USP.
effective, when we speak with one voice and
at the Pacific Islands Forum last August a
act as a region both here and out into the “But all of these organisations like USP and
$150 million package for Pacific-focused
world,” she said. the PIF and other components of the regional
climate change assistance, as part of a wider
She stated, “Last year, as leaders, we commitment to invest at least $300 million architecture, these partnerships both young
highlighted the importance of maintaining globally in climate-related assistance over and old, they all distil down into a challenge
regional solidarity and encouraging the next three years. Out of that $150 million, and a solution,” she said.
engagement in the region that aligns with and we have already approved projects worth $98 She added that we are living in an increasingly
supports Pacific priorities and values. How million in areas such as water security and borderless world.
else do we maintain our voice our strength invasive species,” she remarked.
and our focus.” “The desire of super-powers in the face of
Prime Minister Ardern announced that under globalisation has been to exert their power
Prime Minister Ardern reassured New this programme, New Zealand is committing a and show signs of strength and influence. Our
Zealand’s commitment to supporting and $2 million dedicated investment in supporting region is no longer a place of blue ocean, but
investing in Pacific regionalism. Fiji to manage one of the most confronting strategically important. All of that adds up to
“After all, what happens in New Zealand, or issues that climate change has already a difficult position for small island nations –
Fiji, or anywhere else in the Pacific affects brought – the displacement of communities. but not for ones that have the architecture we
us all. The artificial lines between what we “While we must do all we can to mitigate have as a region,” she commented.
call domestic policy and international policy and prevent the full frontal assault of
Prime Minister Ardern said that in a tough
are just that – artificial. When we’re trying to climate change we must also prepare, and
world the Pacific way can be and is the answer.
address issues such as climate change, or that’s exactly what’s happening here in Fiji.
She further encouraged leaders to continue
infectious diseases, or trans-national crime, We are contributing to the establishment
to work collectively and think creatively about
borders do not matter – these are borderless of Fiji’s Climate Relocation and Displaced
ways to address the challenges of our region.
challenges and they demand a collective Peoples Trust Fund for Communities and
response. And thankfully collectivism and Infrastructure, launched in September – a Prime Minister Ardern also took questions
cooperation, listening and understanding one world first initiative that aims to sustainably from the audience and took photograph with
another’s needs – it’s the Pacific way,” she and sensitively manage the relocation of Fiji’s students of USP who are support sponsored
said. communities,” she said. by New Zealand.
2 U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
LAUCALA CAMPUS
From L-R: Professor Pal Ahluwalia, USP’s Vice-Chancellor & President; Hon Premila Kumar; Hon Jeremiah Manele and Hon Lautafi Fio Selati Purcell
USP HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL MINISTERIAL PANEL ON TRADE
A High-Level panel organised by the Ministry Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade discussed region is here to stay and we will not bow
of Industry, Trade & Tourism (MITT), The economic issues and challenges that will down to any external pressure,” he added.
University of the South Pacific (USP) and the shape our regional trade and ensure that not
Hon Manele, Solomon Islands Minister for
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) as only do we survive but thrive.
a Side Event of the Forum Trade Ministers Foreign Affairs & Trade said it is important to
During the discussions, Hon Premila Kumar,
Meeting was held at the Laucala Campus on remember the context of our island countries
Fiji’s Minister for Industry, Trade & Tourism
11 February 2020. stated that the region’s economy continues to in terms of the theme from surviving to
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, USP’s Vice- survive and overcome increasing challenges sustainably thriving.
Chancellor & President, moderated the panel, like climate change, economic slowdown and “As we all know we are large ocean states
with the theme, Pacific Trading Nation: From recently the changing global trading rules.
and we are remote, distant from markets and
Surviving to Thriving. “Unilateral decisions are being made and the cost of communication, electricity and
In her opening remarks Ms Cristelle Pratt, there has been a shift from multilateral power is higher for a number of our countries
PIFS Deputy Secretary General commended to protectionism. Today, the World Trade
and also, we are all at slightly different stages
the MITT for convening the dialogue to Organisation and its effectiveness is being
and levels of development, hence the need to
have constructive exchanges on the role questioned. For our region, we understand
that international trade is very important for work together,” he said.
of regional cooperation “and transforming
our island economies into thriving and our economic growth. We need foreign direct “The issue of capacity has been a challenge
competitive economies which is at the heart investment (FDI) but how can we entice more for us hence the importance of regionalism
of the theme of this year’s Forum Trade FDIs to come into the Pacific if we do not
and regional cooperation. In terms of trade,
Ministers Meeting”. adhere to the global trading rules?”
there are a number of trading arrangements
“Our collective power and solidarity on trade Hon Kumar strongly suggested that for the
that exist and are important in terms of
and development matters are important region to trade with the rest of the world, there
encouraging economic development and
to accelerate sustainable and inclusive is a need for trade facilitation measures and
we should not only look at traditional trade economic integration for our counties,” Hon
economic development,” she commented.
agreements but focus on trade agreements Manele said.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Ahluwalia
that are more development focused. He added it is crucial for the region to
acknowledged the contributions and support
of USP’s member countries, development Hon Purcell, Samoa’s Minister for Commerce, share goals and values but it also demands
partners and engagement from its regional Industry, Trade & Labour said the global unwavering commitment from everyone to
and international partners, which enables trading atmosphere is at crisis point right implement these goals and values “which
the University to deliver its higher education, now.
is in line with the Pacific Blue principles that
research and CROP regional integration He added that there is a need to look at call for the collective empowerment of Pacific
mandate. how multilateralism will work against
states to work together”.
“It is with your enabling support that we protectionism given the working relationship
with the WTO. Professor Ahluwalia thanked the Honourable
are able to deliver knowledge and build
capacities of our Pacific people,” he said. “We must be careful because how we enter Ministers on the panel for their frank
into trade agreements will determine how we comments, PIFS Deputy SG and staff, and
Panelists Hon Premila Kumar, Fiji’s Minister
for Industry, Trade & Tourism (MITT); Hon will trade in the next 20 to 50 years,” he said. Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism staff
Lautafi Fio Selati Purcell, Samoa’s Minister “We have to get it right otherwise we will for organising the event at USP. He also
for Commerce, Industry, Trade & Labour; be lagging behind but we cannot lose our thanked the audience without whom the
and Hon Jeremiah Manele, Solomon Islands identity as Pacific people because the Pacific event would not have been possible.
U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 3
LAUCALA Campus
Honourable Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, Minister for Education & Training of Tonga with officials at the opening of USP’s New Entrance
OPENING OF USP’S NEW ENTRANCE
The new entrance for The University of the and site services infrastructure (water, estates and infrastructure, to provide
South Pacific’s (USP) was opened on 19 telecommunication, electrical) provisions. enhanced accessibility and to improve the
February, 2020 by Honourable Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki The inclusion of this infrastructure, ladies social environment of USP’s campuses.
Vahafolau Sovaleni, Minister for Education & & gentlemen, has been carefully planned
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice- Chancellor and
Training, Tonga. to allow for future development around the
President (VCP) of USP sincerely thanked the
site,” he added.
The University’s new entrance road from Honourable Minister for Education, Tonga for
the Queen Elizabeth Drive fundamentally He emphasised that the road design is opening the new University Entrance.
reshapes the orientation of the University and suitably wide to manage incoming and
is in line with USP’s Masterplan, to ensure He said that the University is honoured to
outgoing traffic better within the University
a more organised and planned campus with minimal effect on traffic along the main have the Minister to officiate and witness
infrastructure. road. yet another milestone achievement for The
University of the South Pacific.
Honourable Sovaleni showed appreciation He said that the overall cost of this project
to the Pro-Chancellor & Chair of Council, totaled FJD 4.4 million and the new USP Professor Ahluwalia said that this new
Mr Winston Thompson, Vice-Chancellor & University Avenue is part of a much larger development will not only reduce traffic
President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Members effort by the University to improve its physical congestion along Laucala Bay road especially
of Senior Management Team, Members of assets. during peak hours and when major events
the Staff, Invited guests and Members of the are being held in the Fiji Sports Council
media. “The road construction works tender was areas, but it will also create a much safer
awarded to China Railway First Group (Fiji) zone for USP students, staff, visitors and
He said that it was an honour for him Ltd, a company that already has a reputation other pedestrians along the area.
to welcome everyone to this auspicious for good projects, buildings and roads. The
occasion and more importantly to be a part new gate and road was designed by Wood “We have also been mindful of the mangroves
of this significant milestone for USP. and Jepsen, the Consulting Engineers of the in this area and have chosen to preserve and
project, who also supervised the civil works protect it from any depletion and will utilise it
“The Finance and Investment Committee
approved the budget for the construction contractor and signed off on the completed to be part of the aesthetics for the new road
of the new road, which will greatly improve works,” said Honourable Sovaleni. and gate,” he said.
access to and from the University. It will also “This latest development of the region’s He acknowledged China Railway First Group
significantly ease the traffic flow within the University contributes significantly to Priority (Fiji) Ltd and Wood and Jepsen for a job
University and support future development well done and to the USP E&I team and all
Area 5 of USP’s Strategic Plan 2019-2021,
along the former pony club area,” he said. sections responsible for organising this,
Governance & Intelligent Use of Resources.
Honourable Sovaleni said that the completed One of the objectives under this Priority Area a huge thank you for all the effort put into
construction comprises a 300-metre is to ensure that USP’s investment in physical witnessing today’s event.
concrete paved road from the Queen infrastructure and facilities are appropriate
Professor Ahluwalia extended his
Elizabeth Drive to Moana Drive in front of to provide an excellent, safe and accessible
appreciation to the senior officials of the
the Faculty of Business and Economics environment.”
Fijian Government, members of the USP
Postgraduate Lecture Theatre.
He added that the initiatives under this Senate and Council, industry leaders, the
“The new road development also includes Priority Area are to invest strategically in University staff, students and alumni; and our
carpark spaces, landscapes, street lights improvement and maintenance of USP’s friends from the media.
4 U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
regional campusES
USP EMALUS CAMPUS HOSTS FOOD SYSTEMS TRAINING WORKSHOP
The University of the South Pacific’s (USP)
Emalus Campus in Port Vila, Vanuatu recently
hosted a Food Systems Training Workshop
from 28 January-1 February 2020.
In his opening address Mr Mosses Amos,
Director General (DG) of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries
and Biodiversity, stated that although the
population of the 22 Island States is less than
three million, the countries face challenges
such as rapid population growth and
urbanisation.
DG Amos said, “Many island countries
Dr John Ingram interacting with the participants during the workshop and Prof. Bill Bellotti in the background.
depend heavily on imported foods that are
energy-dense and nutritionally poor. As a
result, the incidence of non-communicable level, and spread over 3.5 million km2. Oxford, one of the two facilitators stated,
diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, is Dr Krishna Kotra, Science Programme “the aim of the training is to bring together
among the highest in the world.” Coordinator for USP’s Faculty of Science, food system knowledge and ‘systems
According to the World Population Review, Technology and Environment (FSTE) at thinking’ with further development of skills in
the top three most obese nations in the world Emalus Campus said, “The purpose for communicating complexity and presentation
are from the Pacific Region. Nauru tops the hosting this workshop is to make sure that techniques.
list, with Tonga and Samoa, in second and the campus is known to our Pacific countries,
third, respectively. and also to our students being part of this “It will also give you important insights to
workshop to learn valuable lessons from help shape your future employment and
The Pacific island countries are among the
the professors. And have interaction with career. This will help you develop your
most vulnerable to climate change. The
stakeholders and participants from the
region includes some of the countries’ most capacity to bring about positive change in the
Solomon Island. So this is the main reason
vulnerable to the effects of climate change food system,” he said.
we organise this workshop on the Campus
and natural disasters, like Kiribati with a
rather than anywhere else in the city.” The workshop brought together participants
population of around 100,000. It consists of
33 coral atolls only two meters above sea Dr John Ingram from the University of from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
USP AWARDS
CHEC CIVIL WORKS
CONTRACT FOR NEW
SOLOMON ISLAND
CAMPUS
The design of the new Solomon Islands Campus
The University of the South Pacific (USP) people of Solomon Islands. In addition, US$1.5m grant was provided by
has awarded China Harbour Engineering the ADB’s Clean Energy Financing Partnership
“The signing represents win, with respect to
Company (CHEC) Limited the contract for civil Facility (CEFPF) for the construction of a solar
this important initiative undertaken by both
works for the construction of a new Solomon
USP and the Solomon Islands Government panel photovoltaic system which will meet
Islands Campus.
in order for Solomon Islands and its people 75 per cent of the energy needs at the new
The USD $12m contract was awarded on to get a modern campus for quality tertiary Campus.
22 January 2020. On Thursday, 20 February education as Solomon Islands students make
2020, the contract was signed by Professor up the second largest student population in Professor thanked the ADB for the loan and
Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor & President USP, after Fiji.” Professor Ahluwalia said it grant and the Government of Solomon Islands
(VCP) of USP and Mr. Ma Jianhua, Executive was indeed a momentous occasion for the for its support and patience.
Director of CHEC South Pacific. Government and people of Solomon Islands.
The new USP Kiribati campus was also
Professor Ahluwalia said that he was pleased The new campus will be funded through a
with this development as this has been a long- soft loan of US$15.4 million from the Asian completed in 2014 through the soft loan
awaited project that would greatly benefit not Development Bank (ADB) and, guaranteed by from ADB. The total loan acquired for the two
only the University, but the Government and the Solomon Islands Government. campuses is US$19m.
U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 5
Research & Innovation
USP RESEARCHERS LEAD AGRI-TOURISM STUDY IN SAMOA WORKSHOP
Two leading academics from The University
of the South Pacific are undertaking research
that will assist Samoa maximise its long term
agri-tourism potential.
Professor Stephen Pratt, the Head of School
of Tourism and Hospitality Management
(STHM) and Dr Alminda Fernandez, Lecturer
in Food and Crops technology in Samoa to
help any Samoan farmers develop ideas that
will boost its agri-tourism potential.
Prof. Pratt stated that “we want them to make
evidence-based decisions, based on robust
research so they have the justification and Professor Stephen Pratt, Head of STHM in Samoa
can use it moving forward”.
He said Samoa’s strong agricultural She highlighted that in her homeland in a strong platform to maximise the potential
background could be leveraged further for its the Philippines, agriculture tourism is very of Samoa in developing its tourism product
tourism industry’s benefit. popular and some farmers make more money experience to include agri-tourism.
from tourists as compared to selling their
Dr Fernandez added that while other South The South Pacific agricultural tourism sector
products in the market.
Pacific tourism countries have been studied has seen specific types of farms succeed with
for their agri-tourism potential, no work has The team hopes to work with farmers, tour tourism, like cacao and vanilla in Vanuatu and
been done on Samoa. operators and tourists themselves to develop kava and nonu in Fiji.
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH RESEARCH
An ongoing research in Samoa by The University as it enables participants to express lived
of the South Pacific (USP), Auckland University of experiences and “no one dares to interrupt another
Technology (AUT) and the Samoa Culture Centre speaker as everyone will have a turn to speak” thus
(SCC) is examining indigenous notions and “knowledge flows from its holders to receivers”
measurements of sustainable development for who continue to tui (probe) further as “different
Samoa. patterns emerged”,” Dr Muliaina explained.
The response from one of the 30 participants He added that it is a “a pure democracy concept”
during the research conducted on 3-14 December for it co-constructs knowledge for local people,
2019, was that Samoa had lost their front line a feature that has been missing in research
primary health care system, with regards to the methodologies.
measles outbreak that shook the country since last
“Faafaletui as a paradigm is an emancipatory
September. A State of Emergency was declared
process and outcome. It contributes to emerging
from 15 November-29 December in efforts to
research methodologies that ensures academic
contain the virus and improve vaccination rates
integrity, robustness and rigour,” he said.
which were on a record low of 31 per cent at
the time. The total shut down on December 4 Participants attributed the measles outbreak to
Dr. Tolu Muliaina, USP and Dr. Sione Vaka, AUT
and 5 witnessed an increase immunisation rates the breakdown of a community partnership model
toward 95 per cent, a testament to what genuine between the government and local communities, a
partnerships can achieve across sectors, agencies This he said, is a Pacific-led research by Pacific model, in their view, has worked in the past.
and countries. researchers who use culturally appropriate
methodologies such as Talanoa, Kakala and They highlighted the reinforcement of community
According to Dr Tolu Muliaina of USP, the 6-member nursing which was once conducted by Asiasi
Faafaletui “which resonate with our people and
research team conducted a faafaletui with high Komiti or Komiti Tumama (Health Inspection
they occupy a special place in the qualitative
chiefs, youths, church representatives, Government Committees) in villages and/or districts. Then,
research methods literature”.
officials, representatives of government community nurses are those who live in villages or
departments and community leaders to identify “Grounded in phenomenology, faafaletui is a critical districts and regularly visit families, keep a register
possible solutions to promote public health and weaving and interweaving of ideas and it promotes of new-borns and expectant mothers, the number
to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good respectful social relations between participants of family members and deliver a holistic primary
health and wellbeing in and for Samoa. and researchers. It is a suitable research paradigm health care services.
6 U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Our students
USP ENTREPRENEUTRIAL FAIR 2020
(Left to right) Ms Millicent Barty, from the Solomon Islands, social entrepreneur, Mr Elrico Munoz, The General Manager,
South Pacific Business Development and James Legge, the Executive Strategy Director and partner of GHO Sydney
The University of the South Pacific (USP) with its Professor Vanualailia said that the Fiji Government businesses and they have inspired SPBD in Fiji to
diverse student background understands the need fully supports our programme and USP is happy develop the Fiji Bloom Programme. Through this
to encourage and assist its students, graduates to be conducting this training in line with the programme, these women entrepreneurs are able
and members of the community to develop an Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourisms Young to transform their informal income- generating
entrepreneurial mindset and relevant skills. Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES), where young ventures t formally registered and licensed small
people are able to access funding to start their small businesses. They can now access to bigger loans
Due to the growing importance of the need to
business initiatives. for as much as $20,000 with the corresponding
develop and promote entrepreneurial awareness
He said that the Entrepreneurial Fair 2020 promises financial literacy, business coaching and
and skills for all our stakeholders in Fiji, USP
to be a week of fun and excitement as participants acceleration support services.”
organised its second standalone Annual
Entrepreneurial Fair which officially began on 17 will be able to meet with local as well as overseas He said that SPBD also believes in building
February and concluded on 21 February 2020. entrepreneurs and replicate some of the skills partnerships with the government, the civic society,
learnt to be able to be successful small business the academe and even other business organisations
In one inspiring week, USP’s inaugural
operators. to create synergies in programme implementation
Entrepreneurial Fair brought together an amazing
“Entrepreneurs are risk takers and innovators and and avoid wasteful duplication of efforts. May this
group of influencers and successful entrepreneurs
one of the most significant characteristics of a 2020 Entrepreneurial Fair be Good Avenue for a
(both local and overseas), as well as NGOs and
successful business person is to have startup funds potential collaboration between SPBD and USP.
government stakeholders (including the Department
of Industry, Trade and Tourism representatives) or capital, to get your small business moving,” He acknowledged USP’s support in providing this
to share their unconventional and in some cases emphasised Professor Vanualailia. wonderful platform in training of young people
their unexpected insights into what it takes to During his address, Mr Munoz said that the Fair and people who have a passion to start their
launch, fund, sustain and grow a small and medium shows the commitment of USP in establishing this own business and access funding provided by
business. entrepreneurial platform and also in addressing government.
The week long programme included entrepreneurial one of its key priority areas of its 5 Years Strategic “I firmly believe that the development of Micro and
skills development sessions, motivational speeches Plan of 2019-2021 that of creating entrepreneurial Small enterprises will not only provide a pathway top
from successful entrepreneurs (overseas and local), awareness for USP and the region. close the gap that exists between the employment
funding options and various small/medium business “Students and public at large must develop their market and tertiary institutions, but also raise the
development topics and was also open to general entrepreneurial mindsets to make them more standard of economic sustainability and the hopes
public. opportunity seekers thereby creating employment of our citizens,” said Mr Munoz.
Professor Jito Vanualailia, the Acting Deputy Vice for themselves and for others rather than waiting He said that with our small island economy and
Chancellor of USP welcomed The General Manager, to be employed. Universities and higher learning market size, coupled with our very competitive
South Pacific Business Development, Mr Elrico institutions must be at the forefront of enterprise labour market which is further compounded by
Munoz, Members of the University Staff, Invited development,” he said. our rather limited employment opportunities, Fiji’s
guests, students and sponsors. Mr Munoz said that the South Pacific Business problems and challenges are indeed varied. In view
Development (SPBD) has been in the forefront of this, entrepreneurship development provides that
He said that “Entrepreneurial” training and the
of development of women entrepreneurial in the impetus for a vibrant economy.
establishment of Small Micro Enterprises have
always been a major focus for USP not only because region. Now celebrating its 20th year, SPBD has He acknowledged that Campus Life has created an
it addresses the socio-economical needs of the spread its operation in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Event App (Attendify) as a tool which participants
pacific region, entrepreneurial awareness training is Islands and Vanuatu. can use not only to disseminate information
a significant priority of USP and is captured in the “SPBD’s core business model of organising including the weeks programme, information by
current Strategic Plan of the University. solidarity groups of women entrepreneurs across the presenters including their profiles, gain access
hundreds of villages in the region has proven to online documents, but also as a learning tool for
He emphasised this year USP has again decided
to be successful. While the small loans ranging participation during the weeklong event.
to invite the general public to have access to the
trainings in USP and the main purpose is to provide from $1,000 to $7,000 are for their individuals He urged the participants to utilise the Mentoring
basic entrepreneurial skills training and to create businesses, the members of these groups support Aspect and that mentoring, guidance, drive and
opportunities for students and for people to realise and learn from each other,” he added. motivation propel the budding entrepreneur to
their dreams and become entrepreneurial. “Some of them have grown and diversified their greater heights.
U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 7
LAUNCH OF THE PACIFIC REGIONAL
INNOVATION NETWORK & BUILDING THE
PACIFIC FUTURE WE WANT
MARK THE DATE!
Mr Levan Bouadze, the UNDP Resident Representative & Professor Pal Ahluwalia, MARCH
Vice-Chancellor & President (VCP) of USP at the Launch of the Pacific Regional
Innovation Network & Building the Pacific Future We Want.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) opportunity for USP to refocus on prioritising innovation
and The University of the South Pacific (USP) launched in the Pacific, a focus that will enable us to think and
the Pacific Regional Innovation Network (PRIN) together link innovation to why we do it and who we do it for. TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
with UN75 Building The Pacific Future We Want, at He extended his sincere gratitude to UNDP for its
Japan-Pacific ICT Centre, USP on 24 February, 2020.
Zumba @ USP Sports Gym
contribution to support Innovation at USP and the
PRIN is expected to foster a culture of creativity across region.
the region by localising innovation at the country level Mr Bouadze said that Innovation for development is
and strengthening collaboration amongst stakeholders. about identifying more effective solutions that add
UN75 is an initiative to commemorate the United
USPBeat Magazine
value for the people (especially the most vulnerable
Nations’ 75th anniversary in which UNDP and USP and marginalized members of our society – Women
would be holding online dialogues and campaigns and Girls, Youth, the Elderly, Persons with disabilities, USP Beat is published by the Strategic Partnerships,
with Pacific stakeholders on how we can build a better LGBTQI community, isolated communities) who are Advancement & Communications Office,
Pacific future despite the many challenges we face. affected by development challenges. The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
Professor Derrick Armstrong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor He emphasised that UNDP recognises the increasingly Reports By:
for Research & International Office welcomed the Ana Tudrau-Tamani | Media & PR Coordinator
complex world where development challenges are Swashna Chand | Media & PR Officer
Chief Guests, Mr Levan Bouadze, the UNDP Resident continuously emerging and changing and this calls for
Representative & Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice- Desktop Publisher:
the urgent need to move away from business as usual Loriza M Bano
Chancellor & President (VCP) of USP and invited guests. and respond with agile and flexible solutions.
Professor Armstrong said that USP has come The views expressed in USP Beat are not
He thanked USP, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, necessarily the views of the University or the
together with UNDP to support one another towards the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism for the Managing Editor.
accomplishing a common goal of strengthening tremendous efforts in promoting the innovation for Next issue
innovation and creativity in the Pacific. development agenda and empowering the youth as MARCH 2020
Professor Ahluwalia said that this launch presents an innovators and social entrepreneurs.
SNAPSHOTS
FIRST YEAR STUDENT WINS TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
SMARTPHONE WITH IMPORTANT FOR Follow USP on Social Media:
CAMPUS LIFE SURVIVAL: DR LAGI
First Year Student, Nacanieli Kubu was The significance of the use of Traditional
happy as he received his prize of a Knowledge (TK) for Weather Forecast Visit our website for more information:
Samsung A70 Smartphone. and Traditional Mitigation and Adaptation www.usp.ac.fj
Nacanieli had the most points on the Approaches to Climate Change in Tuvalu
leaderboard of the USP Orientation App and the Pacific region was highlighted
2020 for posting stories and pictures of his at a workshop hosted by the New Jersey
experience at the USP Orientation Week Institute of Technology (NJIT) on January
2020. 24, 2020.
Nacanieli said he enjoyed spending time Titled, Resilience in the Face of Rising Sea
with his first year friends during orientation Level: Harnessing Traditional Ecological
week and he would like to appreciate the Knowledge (TEK) in The Pacific Island
Staff and student for the amazing start to of Tuvalu, the workshop was supported
University life. by Global Environmental Facilities-Small
Grant Programme (GEF-SGP).
8 U S P B E AT | V O L U M E 1 9 | I S S U E 0 2 | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
You can also read
