News Releases

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles Shares The UWI’s Global Vision in New CEO Magazine Feature 

For Release Upon Receipt - August 20, 2026

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago – 20 August 2026: The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is pleased to announce the publication of an international feature in The CEO Magazine profiling Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and exploring his vision for The UWI and its role in advancing Caribbean development and global progress. 

Titled “A Global Village,” the feature reflects on Professor Sir Hilary’s distinguished career at The UWI and his leadership of the University as it continues to strengthen its global profile while remaining deeply committed to the Caribbean. 

In the feature, Professor Sir Hilary discusses The UWI’s evolution as an institution at the heart of Caribbean intellectual, social and economic development. He shares his vision of the University as an “activist university” - one that not only analyses the challenges facing the region and the world, but actively works to develop solutions and create meaningful impact. 

The profile highlights The UWI’s work in areas including sustainable development, climate change, public health, food security, economic development and social justice. It also explores the University’s efforts to expand its global partnerships, leverage its intellectual assets and create new opportunities to strengthen its contribution to the region and beyond. 

Professor Sir Hilary also reflects on The UWI’s growing international standing and the importance of ensuring that the University’s global recognition remains grounded in its commitment to serving Caribbean people. 

The feature provides an opportunity for an international audience to gain insight into the vision, priorities and leadership guiding The UWI at a significant period in its evolution. It also highlights the University’s distinctive role as a Caribbean institution with an increasingly global reach. 

The UWI is inviting members of the public, alumni, partners, students, staff and friends of the University to read and share the full feature within their professional and personal networks. 

Read the full feature, “A Global Village,” in The CEO Magazine

 

Photo Caption: Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, is featured in The CEO Magazine’s international profile, “A Global Village,” highlighting his leadership and vision for the University. 

END 

About The University of the West Indies 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region. 

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts 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, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

The UWI offers over 1000 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 leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world. 

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This recognition has also spring boarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development. 

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu. 

Contact