The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is on the brink of a groundbreaking milestone with the imminent launch of its International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school dedicated to leadership within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After nearly two years of meticulous planning and negotiations, the launch event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at The UWI’s Global Campus headquarters in Barbados.
Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and backed by the United Nations (UN), the ISDJ aims to educate and empower current and future leaders and activists in alignment with the 17 UN SDGs. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has described the Institute as the largest and most transformative global project ever undertaken by The UWI. With support from various entities including the United Nations University, the IDB, and other universities such as SUNY, Glasgow, and Johannesburg, the ISDJ is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of sustainable development.
The establishment of the ISDJ marks a significant milestone for The UWI, positioning it as the only university with such an initiative. Leveraging its extensive experience in online education through its Global Campus, The UWI aims to capitalize on its strategic focus on the SDGs and its reputation as a leading institution in knowledge production related to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Notably, The UWI recently achieved a perfect score in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its commitment to SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.
The ISDJ is currently accepting applications for its inaugural intake in January 2025, offering a range of Master’s degrees in areas such as Climate Studies, Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Public Health and Informatics, Sustainability and Data Analytics, and Sustainability Management. Renowned figures in the field of sustainable development, including UN advisor Professor Jeffrey Sachs, will contribute to the Institute as Honorary Distinguished Fellows, enriching the scholarship and teaching offered by the ISDJ.
Starting from January 2025, the ISDJ will offer a comprehensive suite of asynchronous online graduate programs, including one-year Master’s degrees and shorter micro-credentials at the Certificate and Diploma levels. This diverse range of offerings is designed to cater to the needs of individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in sustainable development leadership within the context of the UN SDGs.
In conclusion, the launch of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice represents a significant step forward in the realm of global education and sustainable development. With its innovative approach to online learning and its commitment to fostering leadership in support of the SDGs, the ISDJ is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage. As the first of its kind, this initiative underscores The UWI’s dedication to driving positive change and empowering future leaders in the pursuit of a more sustainable and just world.