Each month, an individual at a different ACU member institution writes the introduction for this newsletter, providing an opportunity to highlight different perspectives. This month, we hear from Barbara Kasumu, Director of Membership, Programmes and Development at the ACU. Dear ,
There has never been a more important time to champion the vital role that universities play in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the ACU's Director of Membership, Programmes and Development, I am delighted to start the new year by sharing work that supports our mission to build a better world through higher education. For example, this week sees the launch of a new research report by the ACU and the British Council which investigates the role of international higher education partnerships in addressing all 17 SDGs, and how institutions can build equitable, impactful partnerships. You can now read and download the report from the ACU website. 2022 is set to be an exciting year for the Commonwealth, with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Commonwealth Conference of Education Ministers (CCEM) and the Commonwealth Games all helping to foster greater connection and collaboration by providing distinct spaces to champion member voices. In the year of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re pleased to continue to provide educational opportunities for staff and students alike including the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships and the Commonwealth Climate Resilience Challenge Grants which are currently open for applications until Friday 14 January. To further our commitment to expanding such opportunities, we are delighted to be drawing on our experience in managing and delivering international mobility programmes to support the next phase of the UK Government’s Turing Scheme. We will be working with partners across the education system to deliver transformational learning and work mobility opportunities, with an emphasis on widening participation to all those who would benefit. We are currently recruiting assessors – details of which can be found on the ACU website. I joined the ACU at the end of September with the mandate to create a dynamic, responsive and relevant membership offer that meets the needs of the organisation’s diverse member base, working with colleagues to design and fund best-in-sector programmes that will have a meaningful impact on ACU member universities. I look forward to working with members in the year ahead to bring us closer to achieving our strategic priorities as we continue to adapt to a post-pandemic future. On behalf of the ACU, I wish you a very happy new year. Barbara Kasumu,
Director of Membership, Programmes and Development
ACU |
