The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) marked its 65th anniversary during the annual Connect and Collaborate event held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. Since its inception in 1960, the CSC has provided funding for more than 31,000 individuals from across the Commonwealth to pursue higher education at universities in the United Kingdom.
The commemorative event, which took place on 13 February 2025, brought together a distinguished group of attendees, including former and current Commonwealth Scholars, high commissioners, policymakers, and key stakeholders. Among the notable guests was Lord Collins of Highbury, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Advancing Global Knowledge and Collaboration
Funded by the FCDO, Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented individuals from Commonwealth nations to access higher education opportunities in the UK. These scholarships serve as a platform for scholars to enhance their expertise, gain new insights, and develop strong international networks. By fostering academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange, these initiatives contribute to sustainable development and positive transformation within scholars’ home countries.
Reflecting on the impact of these scholarships, Professor Robin Mason, Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, underscored their significance. He remarked:
“The idea behind Commonwealth Scholarships was a simple one: to promote global understanding and cooperation through international study. The impact of that idea has gone far beyond what anyone present at that first meeting of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) in 1959 could have hoped for.”
From Scholarship to Leadership: A Scholar’s Journey
The far-reaching influence of the CSC was exemplified by Dr. Lin Sambili-Gicheha, who currently serves as the Sports Adviser in the Social Policy Development team at the Commonwealth Secretariat. As a Commonwealth Scholar, Dr. Sambili-Gicheha pursued a doctoral degree to deepen her understanding of how sports and cultural disciplines can play a role in preventing youth radicalization in Kenya.
During her address, she emphasized the power of knowledge and community engagement, encouraging scholars to leverage their expertise for societal advancement. She stated:
“As Commonwealth Scholars, you are part of a global network of thinkers, leaders, and practitioners who have the ability—and the responsibility—to translate knowledge into action. I challenge you to trust your voice because your perspective—shaped by your background, your efforts, and your unique lived experience—is precisely what the world needs.”
Dr. Sambili-Gicheha highlighted the practical applications of her research, explaining how it informs policies and programs that empower young people, create safer communities, and use sport as a tool to address global challenges. She further detailed key advancements within the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Sports Division, including the upcoming release of the first Global Sport and Sustainable Development Goals Impact Report. This report will offer a comprehensive global overview through an interactive data dashboard, showcasing how physical activity and sports contribute to health, education, gender equality, social inclusion, and economic development.
Innovations in Sport for Development
A central theme of Dr. Sambili-Gicheha’s discussion was the growing role of digital technology in shaping policy and development strategies. She noted that integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools has allowed the Commonwealth Secretariat to bridge policy gaps, predict trends, and create more responsive public service interventions in sport-based development.
Another significant initiative under her leadership is the creation of capacity-building resources, such as the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Sport and Sustainable Development. Developed in collaboration with the International Platform on Sport for Development and the Australian Government, this eight-week online program has reached over 8,500 learners. It equips non-governmental organizations, policymakers, and sports professionals with essential principles and methodologies to effectively harness sport for social progress.
Strengthening the future of Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission continues to offer diverse opportunities for study, research, and professional development across the Commonwealth. By fostering academic growth and leadership potential, these scholarships contribute to global knowledge exchange and the sustainable development of communities worldwide. As the CSC commemorates 65 years of transformative impact, its commitment to empowering future leaders and fostering international collaboration remains stronger than ever.
