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SDSN Caribbean's Host Institution Launches The UWI International School for Development Justice (ISDJ)

By University of the West Indies & SDSN Caribbean

The University of the West Indies officially launched the International School for Development Justice (ISDJ) on Wednesday, August 21. The ISDJ is the world's first-ever global business school dedicated solely to online graduate programs that focus on leadership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

After almost two years of finalizing its operational procedures and negotiations, the global online school is now funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and endorsed by the United Nations (UN). UWI's new International School for Development Justice (ISDJ) was established to respond to the need to educate and empower current and future activists and leaders within the framework of the 17 SDGs.

SDSN Leadership Council Member and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles describes the Institute as "the largest and most transformative global project" ever undertaken by the regional University. He noted, "we have the keen support of the United Nations and its many relevant departments, including the United Nations University headquartered in Tokyo. The IDB, our financial partner, has been particularly supportive. Many other universities, such as SUNY, Glasgow, Johannesburg, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, led by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, are engaged allies.”

UWI is now the only university with such an enterprise. The idea of establishing a global online business school for the SDGs was birthed to leverage UWI's two decades of experience and excellence in online education through its Global Campus, its strategic focus on the SDGs, and its global recognition as a leading producer of knowledge on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Significantly, UWI earned a perfect score of 100% for its relationships to support the goals in pursuit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals in the recently announced Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Currently accepting applications for January 2025 admissions, among the ISDJ offerings include Master's degrees in Climate Studies, Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Public Health and Informatics, Sustainability and Data Analytics, and Sustainability Management and more. As part of its introductory courses, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs will lead a masterclass on the SDGs. ISDJ has named Sachs among its Honorary Distinguished Fellows from around the world, who will contribute to the Institute's scholarship and teaching.

From January 2025 onward, the complete suite will comprise over a dozen laddered asynchronous online graduate programs ranging from one-year Masters to shorter micro-credentials at the Certificate and Diploma levels.

The August 21st launch included remarks from Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, other members of the UWI leadership team, partners of the ISDJ and The Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., MP, Prime Minister, Republic of Barbados. The Hon. Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago delivered the Keynote Address.

You can learn more about the launch of UWI's new International School for Development Justice at the University of the West Indies/SDSN Caribbean website.