University of Westminster honoured by visit from His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho

In attendance were members of the Lesotho Government and H E Harry MacDonald, His Majesty’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho, as well as Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing southern African states, representatives of business and charities with links to Lesotho and members of the Basotho diaspora.

The event was opened by Professor Nitasha Kaul, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy (CSD), who welcomed guests. She then spoke, in English and Sesotho, of the opportunities that the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) offered for collaboration in teaching and research with the National University of Lesotho, particularly in the areas of small states, diplomacy and sustainability. The event was made possible due to Professor Kaul's academic work and communication with H E Harry MacDonald and collaboration with Mr Tseliso Lesenya, her former MA student from Lesotho who studied at CSD on an FCDO Chevening scholarship.

H E MacDonald spoke next, underscoring the need to grow cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The formal exchange of the MoU, between Professor Kaul representing Westminster, and the Lesotho High Commissioner H E Mr H.E Nehemia Sekhonyana Bereng, representing the National University of Lesotho, was followed by an address from His Majesty King Letsie III.

In his speech, His Majesty stressed the strong and historic links between the Lesotho and the United Kingdom and the importance that these continue to play in the development of the country. He also talked of the important role of education and spoke of his delight at the newly signed MoU.

During his remarks, Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability at Westminster, spoke of the international nature of the University and its commitment to global engagement.

In his closing words, Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University, highlighted that His Majesty’s visit illustrated the value Westminster places on education, diplomacy and cross-cultural engagement. He added that the University of Westminster looks forward to a meaningful exchange that will deepen its bonds with Lesotho and pave the way for further collaborations.

After this, all the attendees were invited to a drinks reception in Portland Hall, which included a song and dance cultural performance by members of the Basotho diaspora in the United Kingdom.

Stephen Wallis, Director of Transnational Education at the University of Westminster, said: “It was an honour to welcome His Majesty and the Lesotho delegation to the University to celebrate 200 years of the Kingdom of Lesotho. We look forward to working to develop our links with the Kingdom of Lesotho and the National University of Lesotho in particular.”

This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about the Global Partner Network at the University of Westminster.