I wish to commend our colleagues at The Global Institute for Climate Smart and Resilient Development (GICSRD) on their passion and commitment to finding sustainable solutions to global problems. We all know that we live in an era where the challenges posed by climate change are increasingly urgent and the current and proposed work of GICSRD is commendable and essential. We expect that The GICSRD’s work will help us fulfil our UWI’s 2022-2027 Strategic Goal - AC4: Increase the quality and quantity of high impact research.  Your work will help us fulfil our UWI’s mission: -

To advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world.

Small island developing states (SIDS) are more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Some of these key negative impacts of climate change include increased natural disasters, economic vulnerability, water scarcity, food insecurity, loss of biodiversity, decline in agricultural yields and fisheries and loss of biological resources. Articles 4 paragraph 9 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) requires that “Parties shall take full account of the specific needs and special situations of the least developed countries.”

As the number one university in the Caribbean, the establishment of The Global Institute for Climate Smart and Resilient Development (GICSRD) shows our commitment to understanding, addressing, and finding sustainable solutions to the complex issues surrounding climate change.  Your research will undoubtedly contribute to global efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of SIDS.

The work of GICSRD will also inform the policy process in the Caribbean and will serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter and more sustainable future. Your research will undoubtedly yield invaluable insights, inspire innovation, and provide guidance to students, advocates, policymakers, and everyone interested in climate action.

We at the School for Graduate Studies and Research pledge our support to your work and initiatives. We commit to the provision of guidance to your research and programmes and will help to seek funding for your crucial research. We will also support your capacity building efforts.

Congratulations, again! I wish you every success in your endeavours. I look forward to your research, publications, academic programmes and advocacy. Thank you for sharing our mission of safeguarding our planet for all future generations. 

 

Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee    
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Studies and Research    
The University of the West Indies