In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding access to education, IDB Invest has entered into a partnership with the University of the West Indies’ International School for Development Justice (ISDJ). This collaboration will channel US$11 million in long-term financing towards enhancing Caribbean- based higher education and making online graduate programmes more accessible to students globally.

The financial structure of this partnership comprises a US$5 million loan from IDB Invest, with an additional US$6 million mobilised from the Blue Like an Orange Sustainable Capital Fund. This funding marks a significant step in overcoming the obstacles that have traditionally hindered students from pursuing higher education opportunities, particularly in regions with limited access.

The ISDJ is the world’s first international business school dedicated exclusively to online graduate programmes. Its mission is to empower students by focusing on leadership and management skills in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By positioning itself at the intersection of education and sustainability, the ISDJ fosters academic development and promotes global awareness and responsibility among future leaders. In addition to the financial support, IDB Invest provides advisory services to evaluate the project’s overall viability. This includes conducting a thorough market study and developing a robust corporate governance plan, ensuring that the initiative is impactful and sustainable in the long run. Students can look forward to diverse online graduate offerings from ISDJ, including one-year master’s degrees and shorter, intensive micro-credential programmes at both certificate and diploma levels. This flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, where professionals seek to enhance their qualifications without interrupting their careers. This partnership heralds a new era for Caribbean higher education as education shifts towards online platforms. By breaking down geographic and financial barriers, IDB Invest and the ISDJ are transforming the educational landscape and paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. With its commitment to developing leaders equipped to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, this partnership is set to make a lasting impact, inspiring a generation of students to engage with the SDGs and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and CEO of IDB Invest, James Scriven, during the signing of the loan agreement in the Dominican Republic (March 2024).