A contingent of over two dozen academics and leaders from The University of the
West Indies (The UWI) is participating in the 4th International Conference on
Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27 to
30, 2024. The Conference convenes under the theme ‘Charting the Course Toward
Resilient Prosperity’ and promises to be a significant event for advancing the
agenda of small island nations.
Recognised globally as the foremost authority on SIDS, The UWI’s expertise is
unparalleled and well-documented and its team of experts will play a pivotal role
in leading and contributing to critical dialogues and to exploring solution-driven
strategies to address the most pressing issues.
One of the major expected outcomes for the conference is the adoption of a new
programme of action for SIDS, along with the political declaration to support its
implementation.
Held once every decade, the conference brings together leaders from the UN’s 39
independent States and 18 Associate Members, regional commissions and other
world leaders, officials, and experts from the private sector, academia and civil
society, to tackle the unique challenges facing SIDS. SIDS4 represents a full circle
moment for the Caribbean, hosting the event 30 years after the first SIDS meeting
convened in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
As a regional hub for knowledge exchange, research, and capacity building, The
UWI, represented by its five campuses and related specialist centres, will showcase
an interdisciplinary team at the conference. This includes the Global Institute for
Climate Smart and Resilient Development (GICSRD), the Sir Arthur Lewis
Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), the Centre of Excellence for
Oceanography and the Blue Economy, the Centre for Resource Management and
Environmental Studies, the Institute for Sustainable Development and the Office of
Global Affairs.
The UWI’s participation in SIDS4 underscores its ongoing commitment to driving
sustainable development in the Caribbean region. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir
Hilary Beckles emphasized that, “The UWI has been in the vanguard of the
sustainable development discourse for more than two decades and our academics
continue to actively engage with policymakers and practitioners in devising
innovative solutions for our region. It is a point of pride for me to note the diverse
disciplines and considerable expertise that The UWI team members attending
SIDS4 bring to bear on addressing the unique challenges faced by our Caribbean
countries in achieving their sustainable development targets.”
