Northumbria University, Newcastle, has hosted a prestigious round
table discussion bringing together
distinguished speakers and international experts to examine the critical role
of collaboration between the Commonwealth, Higher Education, and the business sector.
The Commonwealth and the UK:
benefits and challenges for business and education focussed on how cooperation between the
Commonwealth, universities, and industries can drive economic growth, foster
development, and tackle global challenges. As a community of 56 member
countries representing 2.5 billion people, the Commonwealth is home
to both advanced economies and developing nations, offering vast opportunities
for partnerships in education, innovation, and business.
Key Speakers Included:
- Professor Luis Franceschi, Assistant Commonwealth
Secretary-General
- Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Northumbria University
- Susan Snowdon, Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham
- Lieutenant General Robin Brims, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear
- Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Massmart (Walmart) Holdings Limited Africa, Chair of
Aspen Pharmacare, and Chair of the Gordon Institute of Business Science
(GIBS) Advisory Board
- Dr Warren Harrison, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Teesside University
- Professor Alan Reed, Interim Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business & Law,
Northumbria University
- Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), Durham
University
The round table offered a platform for key figures in Higher
Education, industry, and Commonwealth leadership to discuss collaborative efforts that enhance global education, boost
trade, support young people, and protect the environment.
Professor Luis Franceschi, the Assistant Commonwealth
Secretary-General, provided insights into the Commonwealth’s ongoing
initiatives, while leading university figures and industry leaders outlined
opportunities for cross-sector cooperation to advance innovation, research, and
societal impact.
Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at
Northumbria emphasized the importance of such partnerships: “Collaboration
between the Commonwealth, universities and business sectors is essential in
addressing shared global challenges. This round table was a valuable
opportunity to forge new alliances and explore how Higher Education can
contribute to sustainable economic growth and development across Commonwealth
nations.”
Hosting the round table at Northumbria reflects the University’s strategy to engage with international
partners and explore new avenues for collaboration that support global
progress, especially in the areas of education, economic development,
and environmental sustainability.
Professor Alan Reed, Interim Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business
& Law, Northumbria University, said: “This was a hugely valuable round
table discussion. Attendees had
the opportunity to network with sector leaders, participate in engaging
discussions, and explore new partnerships aimed at strengthening the role of universities and businesses in
supporting the Commonwealth’s shared vision of development, democracy, and
peace.”
The event was organised in conjunction with Northumbria University
visiting professor Richard Swart DL, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum and one of the most prominent manufacturing spokesman in the North East
over the years. He added: “We were delighted to welcome Assistant
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Professor Luis
Franceschi, to lead this regional conference and to be joined by so
many other distinguished and influential leaders.”
