UWI and State University of New York form new partnership with signing of Memorandum of Understanding

The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY) recently strengthened their collaborative efforts with a new agreement to support the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals .

This partnership, formalized in Buffalo, New York, focuses on fostering cooperative relationships through solutions-focused research and the delivery of programs that address key development issues relevant to both the Caribbean and the New York State.

Priority areas for collaborative research

Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaboration will initially focus on areas such as climate change, renewable energy, public health, education and marine resource management.

These focus areas, determined by previous UWI-SUNY analyses, are expected to expand to include democratic participation, leadership and governance, with the aim of designing practical solutions to the challenges that hinder the achievement of the goals of sustainable development.

Expanding education and research opportunities

The MoU will connect the University at Buffalo to the five UWI campuses across the Caribbean, strengthening academic cooperation.

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This includes creating joint research teams, increasing study abroad opportunities, and creating a new shared graduate program.

These initiatives should leverage the multidisciplinary expertise of both universities and integrate external knowledge where necessary.

Commitments to shared goals

The leaders of both institutions have expressed their commitment to this endeavor. UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has highlighted the crucial role of universities in responding to sustainable development and public health challenges through active partnership and collaboration.

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SUNY President Satish K. Tripathi highlighted the strengthened connections between the faculties and the importance of their joint academic and research programs in contributing to global sustainability and resilience.

Political and community engagement

In addition to the academic and research focus of the agreement, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, announced the formation of a new task force.

This team will work through the Jamaican Embassy and will include various stakeholders such as representatives from the US government, the UWI and key business partners.

The task force aims to secure the political and financial support necessary to sustain and strengthen the SUNY-UWI partnership, particularly through the SUNY-UWI Center for Leadership and Sustainability (CLSD).

Building on past successes

This MOU builds on a previous partnership established in 2013 between the UWI and SUNY, which led to the creation of the CLSD.

The center has been instrumental in attracting future leaders and fostering important research collaborations focusing on democratic participation, leadership and governance.

These efforts are designed to address the specific challenges that prevent countries from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mentoring and developmental justice

CLSD continues to play a strategic role in mobilizing faculty from SUNY and UWI to mentor master’s candidates from the UWI International School for Development Justice.

This initiative helps establish a strong research foundation, guiding sustainable development projects around the world and advancing the shared goals of both institutions.

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