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The University of the West Indies (UWI) launched its newest offering, the International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), on Wednesday, August 21. ISDJ is the world’s first global business school to offer exclusively online postgraduate programmes focused on leadership for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles noted at a hybrid launch ceremony at the UWI Global Campus Headquarters in Barbados that the project is a key component of UWI’s ongoing strategic plan to generate revenue.
He explained that after receiving a significant amount of funding from IDB Invest, one of the bank’s terms and conditions was to register ISDJ as a private limited liability company, which operates as a corporation, with a board of directors and all the traditional principles of a private company. “That’s what we did,” he said. “ISDJ Inc. was registered in Barbados under the Companies Act, and we were the first large-scale, multi-campus financial company at the University of the West Indies.”
Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered the keynote address at the launch ceremony, praising the new business school, calling it a “bold and positive move that demonstrates our (Caribbean) willingness to participate in all negotiations in all areas.”
She further stated: “This is both a revolution and a solution, and the research and data-driven decisions associated with this project are at the heart of the hope and, dare I say, the region’s governments are looking forward to its success.”
Elizabeth Robberechts, Chief Investor at IDB Invest, noted: “This special partnership we have forged not only embodies the power of collaboration, but also represents a groundbreaking initiative in the global education sector. At IDB Invest, we believe in the transformative potential of strategic alliances, and our work with the University of the West Indies and the creation of the International Development Justice Academy are shining examples of this belief in action.”
Professor Justin Robinson, Vice-President of Academic and Industry Partnerships and Planning at UWI Five Islands, was the project coordinator for ISDJ and was responsible for developing the business plan, shared services model and financing parameters. He expressed his sincere gratitude to IDB Invest, especially for “the hard work they put in to transform this project from a concept proposed by the Vice-President to a bankable project that will generate strong returns for UWI.”
The University of the West Indies’ Global Campus, with its rich experience and excellence in online education, is vital to the operations of ISDJ. “While the University is best suited to deliver its programmes in the virtual realm as it is located within the Global Campus, ISDJ, with the support of all the campuses and the Centre (regional headquarters), is a living example of the collaborative and concerted efforts of the University of the West Indies,” said Dr Francis Severin, Vice-Chancellor and Head of Campus.
Sandrea Maynard, Vice-President for Global Affairs at the University of the West Indies and CEO of ISDJ, officiated the launch. “As a business school, ISDJ’s new cutting-edge courses integrate a range of disciplines,” she said. These unique courses include master’s degrees in climate studies, gender justice, activism and sustainable development, global sports, discrimination and restorative justice. Starting in January 2025, ISDJ will offer flexible learning options, including online one-year master’s programs, certificates and diplomas, as well as flexible micro-credentials, workforce development and executive programs. This innovative business school incorporates the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals into its curriculum and research programs. Its mission is to dynamically integrate sustainability, social justice and environmental responsibility with the core principles of modern business practice. Please visit www.uwi.edu/isdj for more information.
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