Regional conference at Northumbria explores relationship between the Commonwealth, Higher Education and Business

Northumbria University, Newcastle, has hosted a prestigious round table discussion bringing together distinguished speakers and international experts to examine the critical role of collaboration between the Commonwealth, Higher Education, and the business sector.

The Commonwealth and the UK: benefits and challenges for business and education focussed on how cooperation between the Commonwealth, universities, and industries can drive economic growth, foster development, and tackle global challenges. As a community of 56 member countries representing 2.5 billion people, the Commonwealth is home to both advanced economies and developing nations, offering vast opportunities for partnerships in education, innovation, and business.

Key Speakers Included:

• Professor Luis Franceschi, Assistant Commonwealth Secretary-General

• Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Northumbria University

• Susan Snowdon, Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham

• Lieutenant General Robin Brims, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear

• Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Massmart (Walmart) Holdings Limited Africa, Chair of Aspen Pharmacare, and Chair of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Advisory Board

• Dr Warren Harrison, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Teesside University

• Professor Alan Reed, Interim Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business & Law, Northumbria University

• Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), Durham University

The round table offered a platform for key figures in Higher Education, industry, and Commonwealth leadership to discuss collaborative efforts that enhance global education, boost trade, support young people, and protect the environment.

Professor Luis Franceschi, the Assistant Commonwealth Secretary-General, provided insights into the Commonwealth’s ongoing initiatives, while leading university figures and industry leaders outlined opportunities for cross-sector cooperation to advance innovation, research, and societal impact.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Northumbria emphasized the importance of such partnerships: “Collaboration between the Commonwealth, universities and business sectors is essential in addressing shared global challenges. This round table was a valuable opportunity to forge new alliances and explore how Higher Education can contribute to sustainable economic growth and development across Commonwealth nations.”

Hosting the round table at Northumbria reflects the University’s strategy to engage with international partners and explore new avenues for collaboration that support global progress, especially in the areas of education, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Professor Alan Reed, Interim Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business & Law, Northumbria University, said: “This was a hugely valuable round table discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to network with sector leaders, participate in engaging discussions, and explore new partnerships aimed at strengthening the role of universities and businesses in supporting the Commonwealth’s shared vision of development, democracy, and peace.”

The event was organised in conjunction with Northumbria University visiting professor Richard Swart DL, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum and one of the most prominent manufacturing spokesman in the North East over the years. He added: “We were delighted to welcome Assistant Commonwealth Secretary-General, Professor Luis Franceschi, to lead this regional conference and to be joined by so many other distinguished and influential leaders.”