The three day Inaugural Higher Education Forum officially began at the Sofitel Resort and Spa this morning with more than 500 delegates from the public and private sector gathered to discuss the state of Fiji’s higher education sector.

While opening the event, Minister for Education Premila Kumar said the forum provided strategic deliberations amongst higher education stakeholders to align quality education with labour market needs.

“It has become clear that education attainment is not only vital to the economic benefit of individuals but also for the nation,” she said.

“We all know that access and the completion of education is a key determinant in the accumulation of human capital and economic growth.

“The purpose of higher education qualification is to develop new knowledge, identify skill gaps and adjust to workforce demands to the economy.”

The Forum ends on Friday, July 15.