On Wednesday 20 November, the CSC held its 65th Anniversary Impact Showcase Reception at Lancaster House in London to celebrate six and a half decades of supporting students from across the Commonwealth undertake life-changing postgraduate studies at UK universities.
We were honoured to welcome more than 200 distinguished guests to the reception including UK parliamentarians, Commonwealth High Commissioners, and vice-chancellors and senior university leaders from institutions across the UK.
The event provided a snapshot of the vast impact that Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni make throughout their careers as researchers, leaders and practitioners in a range of fields. It also offered a moment to celebrate some of the inspirational stories from the Commonwealth Scholarship network, a community united by their shared values and passion for delivering positive change in their countries and internationally.
The CSC legacy
The opening address was delivered by Professor Robin Mason ORB, Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, who outlined the enduring legacy of Commonwealth Scholarships in contributing to sustainable development, promoting equity, inclusion and access to postgraduate education, and supporting cutting-edge research and innovation.
Professor Mason expressed his gratitude to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which funds and supports the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme, and to the CSC’s partners in UK universities, fellowship host organisations, and nominating agencies for their invaluable contributions over the years.
Reconnecting with the Commonwealth
We were delighted to welcome The Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP, Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, as our ministerial host and speaker at the event. In her address, Minister Dodds outlined the UK government’s vision for working collaboratively with international partners in the Commonwealth to boost economic growth, tackle the climate crisis, and create opportunities for future generations. Minister Dodds highlighted the CSC’s scholarship stream for Small Island Developing States as an example of how such collaboration can support young people in building a peaceful, prosperous future.
“I was delighted the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and FCDO announced allocations of up to 40 Commonwealth Scholarships, over a two-year period, to support future leaders from Commonwealth Small Island Developing States to study in UK universities.” – Minister Dodds
Minister Dodds also expressed her hopes for the next generation of Commonwealth Scholars and the continued success of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Telling the story of Commonwealth Scholarships
Following this, we welcomed Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts, Research Manager at the Commonwealth Secretariat and a double Commonwealth Scholar, to discuss her journey as a Scholar from the Caribbean. Dr Gilbert-Roberts spoke passionately about the lessons she learnt from her UK study experience, including how research can be a tool for development activism; how real change is driven by connection across disciplines, generations, and borders; and how the CSC experience affirmed her commitment to the Commonwealth story and the importance of sustainability.
“Every day, and in every place, alumni continue to work towards Commonwealth values and help to build more resilient societies.” – Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts
Investing in education
Finally, we were very pleased to share a special video message by The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. Highlighting some of the success stories of Commonwealth Alumni, the Secretary of State spoke about the power of education to unlock opportunities and deliver a brighter future for the Commonwealth.
“Many of our Scholars have gone on to great things. Amongst their number are a top Jamaican ambassador, a Canadian governor of two Commonwealth central banks, and the current Prime Minister of Tonga.” – Secretary of State David Lammy
Exhibiting impact
During the reception, guests were invited to view the exhibition of research impact by specially selected PhD Scholars and the 65th anniversary timeline charting the history of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission since 1959.
To view photos from the event, please visit our event image gallery.
Find out about the wider impact of Commonwealth Scholars, please see our recent CSC Impact Report.
