Wealthy countries in the Commonwealth have been asked to support a new “futures fund” to help improve education in smaller and less developed member states.
The call was made by Professor Pal Ahluwalia during an interview with University World News. Ahluwalia is the former vice-chancellor of the University of the South Pacific and a former co-chair of the Pacific Research University Network.
He said that instead of arguing about whether rich countries should pay reparations for past injustices, they should commit money to a long-term education fund. This fund would support universities and education systems in less advantaged Commonwealth countries, especially small island and developing states.
Ahluwalia urged Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGMs) to place education at the centre of their discussions. He said education is key to economic growth, leadership development, and solving future global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
He also called on universities in wealthy countries, known as the Global North, to treat their partners in the Global South with fairness and respect. According to him, partnerships should be based on equality, not power imbalances, where richer institutions control decisions and resources.
Ahluwalia said higher education in the Commonwealth needs to be reimagined through cooperation and co-creation. He stressed that universities should work together as equal partners, sharing knowledge and resources to build strong and sustainable education systems.
The proposal comes at a time when many universities in developing countries are facing serious funding shortages, staff losses, and limited research opportunities. Support from richer nations, he said, would help build skills, strengthen leadership, and prepare young people for future jobs.
The article was published with support from the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which promotes collaboration among universities across Commonwealth countries.
Ahluwalia’s message highlights the growing belief that education investment, rather than political debate, is the best way to secure a fair and prosperous future for all Commonwealth nations.
