Launch of the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development

Event Date: 
Thursday, 7 October 2021 - 9:00am to 11:00am

In January 2021, University Council approved the establishment of the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development following extensive consultation and collaboration across The UWI system and with external stakeholders.  This first-of-its-kind institute will serve as a research and knowledge management hub to consolidate The UWI’s research and teaching on climate change, disaster risk reduction, resilience and sustainable development, while providing a virtual platform for marketing and scaling climate-related research, innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives from across its five campuses, research units and centres.

Thursday’s launch programme will include remarks from the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Chairman of CARICOM, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and President of Universities Caribbean and Professor John Agard, Executive Director of the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development.

It will also feature messages of support from high-profile partners who have committed their support of the Institute, providing funding among other technical resources. These partners include The United Nations Development Programme; the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency; Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation; the Open Society Foundations and the International Universities Climate Alliance. These partnerships will have an integral role as part of a technical advisory team, established to provide feedback and guidance to the Executive Director on the Institute’s strategic direction and implementation plans.

Global Institute for Climate Smart and Resilient Development

Audience: 
General Public
Staff
Student