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Caribbean Academy of Sciences Spotlights Caribbean's Sustainability and Development Initiatives

For Release Upon Receipt - December 22, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, December 22, 2023 - The 23rd Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS), hosted at The Faculty of Engineering, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus, placed a spotlight on 'The Sustainability and Development Initiatives of the Caribbean.' At the two-day conference, which took place from Friday 24th – Saturday 25th November 2023, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Bheshem Ramlal, underscored the relevance of the conference theme. In acknowledging the region's challenges amid the tide of global climate change, growing population, and constrained access to vital resources, Professor Ramlal highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and championing social justice within the Caribbean's landscape.

 “Recently, there has been much more focus on Sustainable Development and the SDGs. This conference is therefore both relevant and timely. We note that notwithstanding the efforts made so far, the international community has not made the kind of progress needed. I believe that we must invest in finding indigenous solutions are relevant to our context-specific challenges," said Professor Ramlal. He emphasized the conference's role as an unparalleled platform, fostering the exchange of knowledge, the cultivation of networks, and the facilitation of interdisciplinary collaborations among experts.

 In her feature address, Minister of Education, Dr. The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability principles into education during her address, stressing the significance of teaching young citizens about social and economic sustainability.

 “So even as we focus on the ecological balance, our carbon footprint and responsible use of energy, it is imperative to also consider that our young citizens must learn of social and economic sustainability. The well-being of people and communities, the promotion of equity and human rights- our citizens must learn these coming out of their school experiences," stated Dr. Gadsby-Dolly.

 "Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are fundamental components for the sustainable development of human societies. They are the cornerstones of economic development and social progress for any country. Through research and development, STI can foster greener, more inclusive societies, " said Professor Raymond Jagessar, President of CAS. He also highlighted the significant impact of global warming on the Caribbean and the world, stressing the need to counteract it through systems put in place via STI. He emphasized the importance of building climate-resilient communities and ecosystems to combat the adverse effects of climate change, especially in the face of frequent and severe hurricanes that devastate islands and economies in the Caribbean.

 Professor Jagessar also expressed gratitude to the CAS Planning Conference Sub-Committee, the CAS-TT Chapter, The UWI, and sponsors for their contributions in making the conference a reality. The conference facilitated discussions among experts, researchers, and policymakers, showcasing 120 contributions, including keynote presentations. Out of these, 39 were selected for oral presentations, with others presented as posters. Moreover, the event hosted the prestigious UNESCO/L’Oréal Women in Science Awards, honouring the outstanding achievements of female scientists in the Caribbean, aiming to inspire future generations in the scientific community.

 END

 

 Professor Raymond Jagessar University of Guyana and President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences addresses the audience at the Caribbean Academy of Sciences 23rd Biennial Conference: Advancing Sustainability and Development Initiatives.

 Professor Bheshem Ramlal, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering delivers remarks at the Caribbean Academy of Sciences 23rd Biennial Conference: Advancing Sustainability and Development Initiatives.

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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