The University of Melbourne has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Solomons Island National University (SINU) during a visit to the Pacific to strengthen and expand its engagement and partnerships with key regional educational institutions.
Led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), Professor Michael Wesley, the University of Melbourne delegation visited Samoa, Fiji and joined the Australian High Commission in Honiara, in the Solomon Islands, for a range of activities.
The Memorandum of Understanding with SINU was signed today. The agreement formalises the relationship between the two universities and establishes a foundation for collaboration in research, teaching and professional development, supporting SINU in its evolution as a hub of academic excellence.
Professor Wesley said: "Our sustained engagement in the Pacific affirms our commitment to expanding regional educational opportunities and addressing global challenges through meaningful partnerships like the one we have with Solomon Islands National University."
SINU Vice-Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau welcomed the partnership. "This marks a significant milestone for SINU as we continue to position ourselves as a hub for academic excellence in the Pacific," Dr Aqorau said.
"The exchange of knowledge, research collaboration and capacity-building initiatives established through this MoU will contribute immensely to the development of our university and the broader Solomon Islands community.
"We look forward to the opportunities that this engagement will bring for our students, faculty, and the region as a whole."
The University of Melbourne and SINU also hosted the 3rd Asia and the Pacific Outlook Series, co-ordinated by Asialink, and the SINU-Australia Seminar in Honiara.
The seminar, Solomon Islands and Australia in the Evolving Global Higher Education Landscape, was jointly hosted by Professor Wesley and Dr Aqorau.
The seminar facilitated high-level dialogue and was followed by five collaborative workshops focusing on key research areas, including a new Centre for Linguistics, peacebuilding initiatives and developing research capacity in environmental studies.
The SINU partnership is one of the many ways the University of Melbourne is delivering on its commitment to regional partnerships and Pacific engagement, in line with the University's Advancing Melbourne strategy.
"We are grateful for the warm reception and the robust partnerships we have formed, which are vital in our pursuit of shared and sustainable future goals," said Professor Wesley.
