The Ambassador of France will, this evening, host a ceremony at the Résidence de France.
The ceremony will bestow the prestigious Insignia of the Knights in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques award on the Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson for her continuing services to the growth of successful education relationships and programs between France and Australia.
The ceremony also marks the signing of a letter of intent between the Embassy of France, the French Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI) and the Go8. Mr Francois Romanet President of the French Chamber of Commerce and industry will attend.
Under the French Australian Linkage Programme, a round table will be held next March with a view to providing opportunities for universities to develop their skills at a global level; work readiness of students through hands on experience in industry and easy access for French Companies to cutting edge research and innovation which can be applied directly to business.
His Excellency Christophe Lecourtier has said that: “Innovation is now at the heart of French and Australian policy. More than ever, it will be in the spotlight in 2016. France and Australia have a lot of work to do together in this field, and I’m very pleased to honour Vicki Thomson.”
He has also stated that: “It’s great to see somebody like Vicki Thomson, whose influence in the field of higher education is well known, who is a member of the New Colombo Plan Reference Group, as well as the Board of the Australia-China Council, working so closely with France”.
The Go8 has had long standing student and staff relationships with France. “These are mutually beneficial,” said Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson, “and the Go8 is incredibly proud to see a further five-year relationship sealed this evening.”
Ms Thomson said she was extremely honoured to have received the award. “It is a wonderful recognition of the sector I represent. It is a sector that takes its international responsibilities very seriously and the Go8 having such a solid and flourishing relationship in place with France is something to be proud of.
“I would like to thank the Embassy of France for their support and the French Government for this prestigious honour. It is much valued by me both personally and professionally.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155