A statement from Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU):
The ACU is honoured that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex has chosen to become our Patron. She takes over this role from Her Majesty The Queen, who became the first Patron of the ACU in 1986.
The ACU is dedicated to building a better world through higher education, by championing the role of universities in addressing global challenges and improving people’s lives. One of our key principles is the value of higher education to society – its role ‘as a common good’ – and the conviction that this value is enhanced by international collaboration.
The ACU is honoured that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex has chosen to become our Patron. She takes over this role from Her Majesty The Queen, who became the first Patron of the ACU in 1986.
The ACU is dedicated to building a better world through higher education, by championing the role of universities in addressing global challenges and improving people’s lives. One of our key principles is the value of higher education to society – its role ‘as a common good’ – and the conviction that this value is enhanced by international collaboration.
More infos about ACU according to their website:
Established in 1913, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is the world’s first and oldest international university network, with more than 500 member institutions in over 50 countries. It is the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth. The ACU champions higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond.
The ACU’s activities include:
- Offering Gender Grants to support university students and academics to promote gender equity and equality through innovative workshops
- Offering grants and fellowships to support researchers
- Organising annual Summer Schools to bring together students from different regions to explore multidisciplinary issues of global importance
- Coordinating policy networks focused on key issues for higher education – including climate resilience and peace and reconciliation – to boost collaboration between universities
- Managing the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, on behalf of Commonwealth governments
- Managing the Chevening, Commonwealth, and Marshall Scholarship programmes funded by the UK government
