Commonwealth universities set path to development role

The Association of Commonwealth Universities has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat to develop a programme for far deeper co-operation.

The memorandum expressed “their mutual interest and desire to provide inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all the peoples of the Commonwealth, in accordance with Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development goals”.

Areas flagged up for possible collaboration included “addressing graduate employability”, “promoting education on Commonwealth citizenship” and “strengthening and promoting the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)”.

There were also plans to “strengthen policy responses for building resilience and advancing the values of tolerance and pluralism, preventing education-related gender-based violence, and fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity by promoting understanding and respect of different cultures and beliefs”.

The MOU was signed by Baroness Scotland, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, and Joanna Newman, chief executive and secretary general of the ACU, which represents over 500 institutions in more than 50 countries. 

matthew.reisz@timeshighereducation.com