Student Rally delves into the issues

07 September 2018, 12:00AM

The N.U.S. Student Rally kick-started their first student forum which included open panels and parallel workshop sessions that focussed on “Fostering Sustainable Development: Can Education Deliver?”

First up was a three-woman panel, which was themed to address specifically “Universities and the role of knowledge in shaping and implementing Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.Gs).”

The panellists for this discussion included Amanda Jewel, Acting Australian High Commissioner, Faatino Utumapu, N.O.L.A., and Tuiloma Dr. Susuana Taua’a, Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences N.U.S., with panellist moderator Tahere Siisiialafia.

Ms. Jewell spoke of the opportunities available through the Australian government for the next generation of global leaders to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and opportunities for Australians to do the same overseas.

“Australia is the third-largest provider of education to international students,” Ms. Jewell said.

“Programmes such as the New Colombo Plan (N.C.P.), Australia Awards and the Endeavour Awards are significant investments in a global knowledge exchange that advances SDG4 and other S.D.G.s in Australia, our region and globally.”

“The Australia Awards provide opportunities for Samoans to study at tertiary institutions in Australia and the region. There are currently 132 Samoans undertaking study in Australia and the region under the Australian Awards.”

“The (N.C.P.) has been providing scholarships to send Australian students to Samoa since 2015. In 2017, 86 students visited Samoa under the NCP and a further 107 students have been approved for 2018.”

Ms. Jewell also highlighted Australia’s contributions to the S.D.Gs through Australian universities and the vital role faculties have in producing and communicating the advancement of S.D.Gs.

“Universities are key to helping the world achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.Gs) through their research, teaching, operations and community leadership,” Ms. Jewell said.

“Australia’s first Voluntary National Review on the S.D.Gs, launched on Friday 15 June 2018 in Sydney, highlights Australian contributions to the S.D.Gs.”

07 September 2018, 12:00AM

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