𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐨𝐔 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐅𝐀𝐓

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today signed a landmark Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

SINU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Transform Aqorau and Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands His Excellency (H.E) Rod Hilton signed the historical MoU at the Lokol Fusion at Kukum Campus witnessed by staff and guests from both parties.

The MoU has three objectives which the two parties will work towards achieving in the next five to ten years.

The first objective is to develop sustainable and mutually beneficial linkages between SINU and Australian universities to strengthen university governance and academic quality, encourage civil society engagement, and support SINU to become an internationally recognised institution.

The second objective is to foster linkages between SINU and Australia’s security and development cooperation efforts in the Solomon Islands.

And the third objective is to encourage collaboration to create an inclusive, sustainable and accountable SINU, to ensure all students can participate equally while minimising SINU’s climate impacts.

Speaking at the MoU signing, SINU VC Prof.Aqorau described the MoU as the way forward “Forging a Brighter Future,” adding, that the MoU allows SINU to strengthen the partnership between the two parties.

Prof. Aqorau said this event is a testament to a decade-long journey of collaboration, a reaffirmation of our shared values, and a significant step towards a future brimming with promise and potential, as we strive to enhance the social and economic fabric of the Solomon Islands through education, research, and innovation.

“Today, as we formalise our partnership with DFAT, we are not only celebrating the signing of this MoU but also the collective efforts of the SINU community that have brought us to this pivotal moment.”

“It is a reflection of the vision I set out for the University during my inauguration – a vision of an institution that can be a beacon of hope, an oasis of learning, and a leader in innovation.”

“We aspire to develop a University that espouses zero tolerance for abuse and corrosion of systems, with a keen interest in emerging technologies and the power of ICT to achieve efficiencies, improve the efficacy of teaching, and enhance all processes within the organisation.”

“We aim to explore the power of collaboration and develop strong public-private sector partnerships in research, publications, and collaborative research programs with overseas universities.”

“We also seek to provide a space for discourse on public policy issues, serving as an interface between academia, government, industry, NGOs, and the community.”

“My vision for SINU is to provide a world-class education to our students, to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect, and to be a leader in research and innovation.”

“We strive to create a campus culture that is open and welcoming to all, regardless of background or identity.”

“To achieve these goals, we need the support of donors to invest in our programs, and we must ensure that we have the governance systems in place that meet their due diligence requirements.”

“I am committed to undertaking a review to enhance, improve, and strengthen the overall governance, financial, and administrative systems of the University.”

“This will enable us to develop programs that can be accredited by SITESA and overseas accreditation bodies, and to develop joint degree, master’s, and PhD programs with overseas universities, thereby giving SINU international recognition, credibility, and growing our research capacity.”

“I am therefore pleased to say that through this partnership that we will be signing today, we can now afford to begin the work on what we set out to do.”

“This MoU represents not just a formalisation of our collaboration but a tangible step forward in realising the ambitious goals we have laid out for the Solomon Islands National University.”

“It is a catalyst that will enable us to translate our vision into action, to harness the potential of our students and faculty, and to make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond.”

“Today, we embark on a journey of transformation and growth, fuelled by the support and partnership of DFAT, and I am filled with optimism for the bright future that lies ahead for SINU.”

“As we embark on this new chapter, we do so with a sense of purpose and optimism. This MoU is more than just an agreement; it is a roadmap for the future.”

“It is a commitment to excellence, to innovation, and to making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and our communities.”

The VC said the MoU will further strengthen the robust network and collaboration that already exist with Australian universities.

“For instance, we have been working closely with the University of Wollongong on the development of a regional program that has already commenced with a graduate certificate in fisheries management and development.”

“Additionally, this week we were delighted to host a team from the University of Queensland who conducted a highly successful workshop on research methodology.”

“Our collaborations extend to the University of Wollongong, University of Adelaide, and Queensland University of Technology in developing programs in security and policing.”

“We are also collaborating with the Australian National University (ANU) on organizing the Panatina Seminar, which we are proud to be hosting early next year.”

“Our partnership with Griffith University has been ongoing, and through our appointment of Australians as Adjunct Staff of SINU, we have achieved a significant milestone with the creation of the “Solomon Islands Thesis Catalogue,” a comprehensive 414-page document curated by Emeritus Professor Clive Moore.”

“Furthermore, we are working closely with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology to develop joint programs in natural-based solutions to buildings.”

“These existing partnerships are a testament to our commitment to international collaboration and will be significantly bolstered by this new partnership with DFAT.”

The VC said the significance of the partnership extends beyond the confines of SINU walls where he said it is a symbol of the enduring friendship and mutual respect of Solomon Islands and Australia.

The VC pointed out, “The MoU is a testament to our collective belief in the transformative power of education and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.”

“SINU plays a pivotal role in the social and economic fabric of the Solomon Islands. As an institution of higher learning, SINU is not just a center for academic excellence, but also a catalyst for positive change and development. Investing in SINU is akin to investing in an economic reform program for the future of our country.”

“It is an investment in the potential of our youth, the capabilities of our workforce, and the resilience of our communities.”

With that, he said SINU serves as the intellectual powerhouse of the Solomon Islands, tasked with the crucial responsibility of seeking answers and clarity to the myriad social and development challenges that our nation faces.

“These challenges include issues related to governance, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. As the intellectual heart of the country, SINU is uniquely positioned to conduct research, foster innovation, and develop solutions that address these pressing issues.”

The SINU VC highlighted that the enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia is a testament to the strength of our bonds and the depth of our shared values.

“As we move forward, let us continue to nurture and strengthen these ties, for they are the foundation upon which our common future will be built, “he added.

Speaking during the signing ceremony H.E. the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton said Australia is proud to deepen the longstanding relationship between Australia and Solomon Islands in strengthening the education sector.

He said Australia is very privileged to work with the education sector in the Solomon Islands at all levels from basic right through to tertiary level.

He said it is only through education that individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and its societies and nations can grow and flourish where he said the two countries share a strong commitment to learning and we recognized the transformative power of education to drive economic growth, innovation, and for supporting the developing a strong and effective civil society.

With that, the Australian High Commissioner also pays tribute to the SINU VC’s extraordinary leadership where he said Australia is intensely proud to partner with SINU.

Also witnessing the MoU signing today is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie.

Please read the Vice-Chancellor’s full speech here: Click to download: VC SPEECH AT THE SINU-DFAT MOU SIGNING

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