Port-Vila, Vanuatu – 12 August 2022: On Thursday 11 August 2022, AFD - Agence française de développement regional Director in the Pacific visited the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) following the signature of the two financing agreements with the NUV in May 2022 for a total amount of over 471 million vatu (€3.8 M - €3M grant from AFD and €0,8M EU grant delegated to AFD). This operation complements ongoing projects from French Embassy in Vanuatu and the government of New Caledonia financed by AFD and represents a major strategic development in Vanuatu's education and digital development policy.
Through this funding from the AFD, France is supporting the Government of Vanuatu in the structuring of its national multilingual university by supporting the development of its infrastructure, training offer, its governance, its human resources, and its technical, digital and pedagogical means. This approach is in line with Objective 2.4 of the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2030 (NSDP) of Vanuatu, which aims to increase higher education opportunities, including technical and vocational training and skills through a law establishing the National University of Vanuatu (Act No. 34 of 2019 published on 24 January 2020).
AFD regional Director in the Pacific, Mrs. Virginie Bleitrach, said “AFD is delighted to carry out this ambitious project in partnership with the National University of Vanuatu, the EU and the French Embassy. 65% of the population in Vanuatu is below 30 years old. Developing the skills of the young generations is essential for their future and the future of the country. We do sincerely hope that the NUV will benefit from our worldwide expertise and experience in education to develop an offer that meets the youths’ expectations and offer them a brighter future”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the NUV, Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua, said “The National University of Vanuatu and the Government of Vanuatu are grateful of the support provided by the French Development Agency. This support is totally aligned with the university Strategic Plan from 2021 to 2030”.
