Today in Nadi, Fiji, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), in partnership with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and PACFOLD, formally launched the Regional Design Consultations for Phase 2 of the Pacific Partnership for Open, Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL).
We are honoured to convene approximately 40 senior officials, academics, and technical experts from 11 Commonwealth nations across the region—including Australia and New Zealand—alongside a delegate from the Marshall Islands.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Fiji Ministry of Education, represented at the inaugural session by the District Education Officer, for welcoming delegates to our host nation. We also recognise the vital support and active participation of our funding partner, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), represented by Ms. Vena-Liz Upton.
Presiding over the launch, COL President Professor Peter Scott outlined the strategic architecture for the next decade of Pacific education. He noted that three core workstreams—capacity building for STEM educators, TVET pathways, and skills training for NEET Youth—will serve as the foundation of the programme. These pillars will be deeply interwoven with the "vines" of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Climate Change Resilience.
Over the next four days, delegates will engage in rigorous *Talanoa* to co-design systems that ensure education continuity, safeguard the vulnerable, and reach the Blue Pacific's "last mile."
#PacificEducation #ODFL #BluePacific #Resilience #GEDSI #TVET #STEM #COL #PACFOLD #MFATNZ @MFATNZ @NZinFiji @UniSouthPacific
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Are you a ministry, university, TVET authority, training provider, or education partner looking to scale gender-responsive, skills-based, and inclusive AI approaches to learning?
At the India AI Impact Summit this month, COL showcased its Frugal AI approach and invited leaders from Commonwealth Member Countries to endorse the Gaborone to New Delhi Compact.
Beyond supporting teachers and learners in traditional classrooms, Frugal AI has the potential to transform TVET and skills training by strengthening workforce readiness, personalising upskilling pathways, and improving employability outcomes.
Our latest blog shares practical implementation lessons for applying Frugal AI within skills training and TVET. Read more: www.col.org/news/beyond-the-classroom-frugal-ai-in-tvet-as-a-roadmap-in-skills-training/
#IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #ResponsibleAI #PeoplePlanetProgress INDIAai Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India Ministry of Education Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India Ministry of Higher Education,Research Science and Technology GIS Mauritius The University of the South Pacific Kenya School of TVET IIT Jodhpur Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Canada in India (High Commission of Canada) India in Vancouver - Consulate General of India The Commonwealth Commonwealth Foundation
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Are you ready to commit to integrating AI inclusively, equitably, and ethically into your education systems?
Join COL’s Gaborone to New Delhi Compact for AI in education, launched at the India AI Impact Summit. More than a policy statement, the Compact provides a blueprint for “sovereign, private, and secure” AI that aligns with national regulatory frameworks and systematically builds domestic capability.
We’re inviting signatories to work within a Commonwealth alliance toward a framework for deploying a local, open-source approach to AI that respects data sovereignty, reaffirms AI in education as a public good, and places educators at the centre of technological integration.
Learn more: www.col.org/news/gaborone-to-new-delhi-compact-for-ai-in-education-launched-at-india-ai-impact-su...
#IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 #ResponsibleAI #PeoplePlanetProgress INDIAai Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India Ministry of Education Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India Ministry of Higher Education,Research Science and Technology GIS Mauritius The University of the South Pacific Kenya School of TVET IIT Jodhpur Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Canada in India (High Commission of Canada) India in Vancouver - Consulate General of India The Commonwealth Commonwealth Foundation
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