UWI to set up institute in South Africa
The University of the West Indies continues to reinvent itself for the 21st century by expanding its global footprint.
On Monday, March 27, vice-chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles hosted the vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Professor Ihron Rensburg, and his team. The outcome was the signing of an agreement to establish the UWI/Johannesburg Institute for Global African Affairs. This UWI Centre in South Africa will follow upon the establishment of the SUNY UWI Center for Leadership and Sustainable Development, and the UWI China Institute of Information Technology (UWICIIT)in Suzhou, China.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Sir Hilary noted that the globalisation of UWI is consistent with the needs of the region, particularly the creation of a globally educated, connected, and empowered youth. The Caribbean, he said, has a critical role to play and would also benefit from the global rise of Africa in the next ten to twenty years. Attracting African investments and general interest in our region has to be a top priority, he added, given that billions of dollars and asset values are leaving Africa annually for locations in Europe and North America, bypassing the Caribbean that fought for African liberation and nation building.
Vice-chancellor Rensburg, the highly acclaimed, globally respected, innovative academic leader, noted that as Africa’s economy and population grow to unprecedented historic levels they must functionally integrate the Caribbean community. Read more
Source: Nation News (Barbados)
