The Duchess of Sussex has hailed the Commonwealth’s youth as “an incredible asset”, saying “it is vital that we invest in them”.

Speaking as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Meghan said she was inspired by the students of today and their understanding of higher education’s role in creating bright futures.

The duchess gave her support to a new strategy – The Road To 2030 – launched by the ACU on Friday.

Writing in the document, she said it gives her incredible pride to support the association.

The message from Meghan reads: “The experience of attending university allows students to graduate into the world with the social skills and intellectual prowess that will set them up for greater success; that happens not simply on a micro level in their own lives, but on a macro level.

“The choices they make and challenges they endeavour to overcome create deep and meaningful global impact.”

She goes on to say that for many young people in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth, the opportunity to achieve their full potential through education can feel “out of reach”.

Meghan writes: “Whether it is cost prohibitive or that the cultural stigma in their specific community restricts their ability to attend by virtue of their gender, race, or creed – the ACU seeks to break through these boundaries and enable all curious minds the opportunity to whet their appetites for the experiential value of higher learning.”

The duchess goes on to say the ACU supports students to open doors that have otherwise closed.

She concludes: “I am inspired by the students of today, by their vision and ambition for positive change, and by their understanding of the powerful role higher education can play to create a brighter future.

“The Commonwealth’s young people are an incredible asset, and it is vital that we invest in them.”

The ACU’s new framework sets out its mission, values and priorities.

It says the organisation’s strategic priorities are to:

– Champion the power of higher education to improve lives

– Support the long-term vitality of universities

– Engage and connect universities across borders, and promote collaboration among them

– Deliver educational opportunities that make a positive and lasting difference

– Uphold the ACU’s reputation for excellence and demonstrate its impact.

The ACU chief executive, Dr Joanna Newman, writes in her foreword: “It is a framework for our vision, showing the interconnected nature of all our activities and the common goals to which they lead.”

The strategy including Meghan’s message is published days after the duchess carried out her last official public engagement before the arrival of her baby.

Heavily pregnant Meghan joined the royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday, after visiting Canada House with the Duke of Sussex.

But the duchess is still busy working behind the scenes, and is said to have a number of private appointments in the diary.