This morning, Dame Cindy formally opened the 99th Council Meeting of the University of the South Pacific, at Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland. Since its founding in 1968, USP has provided tertiary education across the Pacific for 12 member countries - Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kingdom of Tonga, and Republic of Vanuatu. New Zealand and Australia have representatives on the USP Council, and help support them to provide tertiary education across the Pacific.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was in attendance for today’s Council meeting. Her mother, Laʻulu Fetauimalemau Mataʻafa, was USP’s first Pro-Chancellor from 1971 to 1976.
In her speech, Dame Cindy noted “A Māori whakatauki “Whiria te taura here tāngata” says that a rope is so much stronger if multiple strands are woven together. By weaving together the energies, knowledge, talents and aspirations of peoples across the Pacific – USP has become the region’s leading tertiary provider.”
To read Dame Cindy's speech, click here: 99th Council Meeting of USP Speech.
For more images, click here: 99th Council Meeting of USP Media Gallery.
