His Majesty King Tupou VI has been pleased to accept the invitation of the Council of the University of the South Pacific to the appointment as Chancellor of the University for the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014.
The appointment follows the resolution of the 75th meeting of the USP Council held in Suva on 6 November 2012.
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University and confers the qualifications of the University.
His Majesty King Tupou VI will be the 20th Chancellor of the University. His Majesty continues in the tradition of Chancellors who are persons of distinction throughout the South Pacific region including His Late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV; H.E. the late Hammer DeRoburt of Nauru; the late Rt. Hon. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of Fiji, Rt. Hon. Ieremia Tabai of Kiribati, H.H. the late Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa, the late Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Henry of the Cook Islands, H.E. Litokwa Tomeing of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Head of State of Samoa and the Governor General of the Solomon Islands, Sir Frank Kabui.
The current Chancellor is the Ulu-o-Tokelau, His Excellency Aliki Faipule Kerisiano Kalolo and his term will be completed on 30th June 2013.
His Majesty King Tupou VI will be installed as Chancellor before the USP Tonga Graduation ceremony at the end of July, 2013.