The ACU at 22CCEM
Taking place roughly every three years since 1959, the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) is the most important forum for the Commonwealth education and learning agenda and its relationship with other sustainable development priorities. It is the Commonwealth Secretariat’s second-largest meeting, after the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The 22nd conference took place in London 16-17 May 2024. The ACU attended to represent the Commonwealth and global higher education stakeholders.
At 22CCEM, we advocated that well-funded and resilient higher education systems are essential not only for navigating the ever-changing educational and industrial landscape, but for meeting education targets across the entire pipeline. Therefore, governments must commit to realising innovative, sustainable financial models for universities
Below you can read in full our Policy recommendations, developed by the ACU-led HE Taskforce, that were shared with ministers at 22CCEM.
1. Well-funded and resilient higher education systems are essential. Not only for navigating the ever-changing educational and industrial landscape, but for meeting education targets across the entire pipeline. Therefore, Governments must commit to realising innovative, sustainable financial models for universities.
2. The sector can work creatively with governments to better finance higher education and move beyond the obvious asks. For example, we can explore tripartite funding mechanisms between government, industry and universities; or explore the use of foreign tax credits; and explore industry incentives to work with and invest in universities through curriculum development, apprenticeships, and research commercialisation.
3. University research is the cornerstone of sustainable development. The ACU is committed to bringing together universities and Commonwealth governments to facilitate partnerships and co-create research-led solutions to fulfil national missions.
4. Governments must incentivise and invest in university research. University research is a crucial enabler, finding policy solutions and mechanisms to cultivate a productive research ecosystem and better facilitate equitable research partnerships.
5. Universities can be part of the solution for many of the wider challenges governments face including AI and digitalisation. Universities can play a key role in guiding governments through the ethical and regulatory challenges that accompany these technological advancements. As we look to align our regulatory and governance frameworks to keep up with the pace of change, universities serve as crucial hubs for research, analysis, and discourse, helping to navigate the complex landscape of AI's impact on society and employment.
6. Investing in and diversifying pedagogies through online learning can reach a broader student base. This will help to widen access and inclusion beyond the established student base.
7. Governments can work with universities to address skills gaps. Universities are committed to becoming adaptable 21st-century hubs that can adeptly respond to the rapid changes in skills, innovation, industry, and technology. We heard from the Honourable Minister for Ghana on the innovative approaches they have taken to address STEM skills gaps through curriculum re-design and funded incentives to encourage subject uptake.
8. Collaboration between higher education and industry is crucial. Changing skills needs requires flexible national frameworks of accreditation and evolving curriculums, but to really meet this mission, it is crucial to foster stronger collaborations between universities and industry partners, enabling students to gain real-world experience and relevant skills that will prepare them for the demands of the future. We must also equip students to become the job-creators of the future, embedding entrepreneurship and enterprise in our education.
The ACU is committed to working with member states to find creative solutions to these challenges, through the ongoing work of the taskforce and through our role as a convenor and connector, bringing together universities and governments to build a better future for all.
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