There is significant development taking place on the back of shifting global power dynamics and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) that is raising “alarm bells”, the head of the University of the South Pacific (USP) said yesterday.
Speaking at the 2025 Pacific Update in Suva, USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia said the world was changing, and the Pacific must adapt strategically.
“The challenges are significant — let’s be blunt about that,” he said.
“The evolving global political landscape demands our focused attention. We need to acknowledge the impact of great power competition on our sovereignty and on our unique development aspirations.”
He said we could no longer afford to be “mere passive observers”.
“We have to actively shape our own narrative, champion our distinct values and chart a course firmly rooted in the priorities of our Pacific peoples. Our collective strength lies in our ability to address those challenges together.”
Prof Ahluwalia said they were aware of how transformational forces were reshaping the nature of learning.
“The impact is not just from the administration in the US — it’s also from the use and rise of artificial intelligence, the imperative need to develop fit-for-purpose education systems that address the realities of our region, and the ongoing challenge of equipping our graduates with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
“We need to really consider how AI can be harnessed and how it can equip our students with the skills and knowledge that will be important to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“We’ve all heard by 2030 the labour force will change significantly; machine learning will take over by 2040. There’s just so much work going on that’s sending alarm bells about the impact.”
The Pacific Update event, he said, served as a crucial platform to engage in discussion, share insights, and forge collaborative pathways for the Pacific.
