UWI chosen as Hub Chair for Climate Action by United Nations Academic Impact

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has been appointed as the new Chair for Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) within the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative, effective January 2025. This prominent role positions UWI at the forefront of a global effort aimed at promoting climate action and sustainability, further solidifying its commitment to higher education’s vital role in meeting the global challenges set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Since its inception in 2010, UNAI has engaged numerous higher education institutions to promote human rights, access to education, sustainability, and conflict resolution, tying closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2015.

UWI’s new position as the chair of the UNAI SDG 13 Hub is set to last for three years, during which it aims to leverage its academic resources to address climate change effectively. The SDG Hubs operate within the UNAI framework to promote specific SDGs, facilitating research, education, and collaboration intended to create meaningful and positive impacts on social, economic, and environmental fronts. As part of this initiative, UWI will focus on innovative educational methods, impactful research, and strategic partnerships with other members in the UNAI network, which encompasses over 1,700 institutions worldwide.

In her remarks during the inaugural meeting of the new cohort of UNAI SDG Hub Chairs, Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Affairs at UWI, expressed the university’s gratitude for being chosen to lead the Hub for Climate Action. She emphasized that this appointment reflects the global acknowledgment of UWI’s efforts in combating climate change, positioning the institution among a fellowship of dedicated researchers committed to sustainable development initiatives.

Maynard also highlighted the importance of the International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)—the first global business school focused on online graduate programs emphasizing leadership in the SDGs—underscoring UWI’s commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda.

“This is a role that The UWI accepts with great appreciation as we strengthen our global positioning as the University leads on SDG-13 with the International Association of Universities and The Global University Consortium. Our dedication to advancing the SDGs also led us last year to launch the International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)—the world’s first global business school dedicated exclusively to online graduate programmes that emphasise leadership in the SDGs,” Maynard stated.

UWI will join 16 other global universities, including notable institutions like the University of Sao Paulo and Tsinghua University, as fellow chairs of UNAI SDG Hubs from 2025 to 2027.