Connecting Australia and the Asia Pacific: Promoting Learning for Development

Abstract

University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia, 13 May 2013, Connecting Australia and the Asia Pacific: Promoting Learning for Development, Professor Asha Kanwar, President & CEO, Commonwealth of Learning // I must congratulate the VC Prof Jan Thomas, the DVC Prof Ken Udas, and the former PVC, USQ (and now PVC, Open University, UK,) Prof Belinda Tynan for their vision and foresight in convening this forum to identify tangible ways in which Australia and the Asia Pacific region can be connected. The USQ mission statement on community contribution makes specific reference to ‘supporting a socially inclusive society’ and ‘progressing regional wellbeing’, demonstrating its development dimension. Thank you Prof Thomas for hosting us and for your warm welcome. I must also thank Colleen Wilson, Debbie Morris and Mary Ann for their impeccable arrangements. I hope this conversation will be the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between COL and USQ and will strengthen connections with the wider Commonwealth.