UWI’s Sir Hilary Beckles announced as Chairman/Chancellor of the United Nations University

Sir Hilary Beckles

On December 7, 2024, the Governance Council of the United Nations University (UNU) convened in Tokyo, Japan, where it unanimously appointed Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as its new Chairman/Chancellor, effective May 2025. This appointment, announced via statement by The UWI, marks an important transition as the university approaches its 50th anniversary. The Council expressed confidence in Sir Hilary’s leadership, highlighting his established reputation as a strategic planner in higher education, a respected scholar, and a prominent thought leader in development thinking. The anticipation of working under his Chairmanship reflects the Council’s commitment to fostering leadership that aligns with the university’s goals during this significant milestone.

Sir Hilary Beckles brings extensive experience from his long-standing involvement in various capacities within the United Nations system. His past roles include serving as a consultant for the United Nations Development Report focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean, participating in committees related to the global future of higher education, and acting as a historian for UNESCO’s prestigious Slave Routes Project.

Additionally, he has actively contributed to discussions in both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council on issues such as reparatory justice and global peace. His appointment as Chair also follows recognition of The University of the West Indies (UWI) as the global hub for Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, largely attributed to his initiative in establishing an International School for Development Justice at UWI.

In his acceptance speech, Sir Hilary acknowledged the vote of confidence from the University Council and representatives from the United Nations and other organizations. He reaffirmed his commitment to steering the UNU during its 50th year in collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor and Council. Sir Hilary described his appointment as a significant honor not only for UWI but also for the Caribbean region and the Global South, emphasizing that this leadership role would further enhance the university’s reputation and international connectivity.

The UWI statement describes the position as “…honorary, with a mandate to facilitate the leadership of the Rector/Vice-Chancellor of the University, and to guide the Council in a manner that sustains the confidence of international and internal stakeholders, primarily the leadership of the United Nations, faculty members and managers, private sector investors, and students.”

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2 Comments

  1. Labour power
    January 8, 2025

    So what UWP God and leader getting.The man worked in Washington DC with IMF for years,he doe have a house,he never buy land in Dominica,he abandoned his wife and children in Washington DC.His contract was not renewed with IMF,his mission was SNAFU in south Sudan,de man is a total failure with his PhD.With all UWP boast Dr,Dr,Dr, Dr my A Thompson Fontaine should be like Sir Hilary Beckles.

    • Pat
      January 8, 2025

      Unrelated gutter politics just like that? unprovoked? Give us a break, simply go right ahead and state what you have achieved with 20 years and several billion dollars then.

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