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Upcoming UWI Vice-Chancellor’s forum explores academic freedom and sustainable development

For Release Upon Receipt - July 1, 2025

UWI


The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, West Indies. Friday, June 27, 2025— As universities face increased scrutiny, their role as centres of knowledge and innovation remains essential. However, concerns have arisen regarding free thought and research, particularly due to external influences. In response to these developments, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will host a discussion on academic freedom and sustainable development during an upcoming Vice-Chancellor’s Forum titled “Academic Freedom, Sustainable Development, and the Role of the University.” This event is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd.

 This forum will bring together scholars from around the world and will be broadcast live via UWItv from 9:30 AM (Jamaica/EST) | 10:30 AM (Eastern Caribbean/AST). It aims to reflect on academic freedom and develop recommendations for enhancing the university's role in society.

 Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies at The UWI, highlighted the importance of this discussion, stating, “In a time when academic freedom is at risk, this forum offers an opportunity for crucial conversations about the role of universities everywhere. As a leader in research and advocacy, The UWI is committed to safeguarding academic freedom and fostering an environment for open inquiry”.

 Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research at The UWI will moderate the conversation which will include notable speakers such as:

 

  •  Professor Sir Hilary Beckles – Vice-Chancellor, The UWI
  •  Professor R. Clive Landis – Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, The UWI, Cave Hill Campus
  •  Professor Canute Thompson – Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, The UWI
  • Professor John Petrovic – Professor of Social and Cultural Studies, University of Alabama
  • Professor Jonathan Becker – Vice President of Academic Affairs and Director of the Centre for Civic Engagement, Bard College
  • Dr. Leahcim Semaj – Author and Psychologist
  • Ms. Liat Ariel – PhD Candidate in Philosophy of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Mr. Matineil Bartley – Postgraduate Student, The UWI, Mona Campus

 

 Key outcomes of the forum include the opportunity for a thoughtful conversation on this important issue within an environment intended for community dialogue. Following this, a curated paper will be published to summarise the discussions, and it will be submitted to a reputable academic journal with the consent of the panellists. This will ensure that the insights gained reach a wider audience and contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of academic freedom.

 To participate in this important dialogue, interested individuals should tune in to UWItv Global via www.uwitv.global or www.facebook.com/uwitv.

 

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  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 Global 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. In 2024, The UWI launched a first-of-its-kind global online graduate business school focused on leadership within the context of supporting the SDGs.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

 

 

 

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