As part of its year-long series of events to celebrate its 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, The UWI brought together industry leaders, partner institutions, and students for the forum themed “Beyond 75 – Vision, Strategy, and Leadership for Higher Education”. The hybrid event was held at the University’s Regional Headquarters in Jamaica and broadcast live via UWItv during its Jubilee Week held in July 2023.

Two panel discussions featured an impressive line-up of panellists representing the student voice and partners from the higher education, development, private, and public sectors addressing sub-topics ranging from quality assurance, partnerships, and financing in higher education. The panel discussions were themed “The Higher Education Future We Want”, and “The Road to Achieving the Vision: Strategy & Leadership”.

In his keynote address, The Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, expressed his concern for how the education and other sectors evolve and collaborate harmoniously to ensure a better future for the people of the region. “A shared vision is an important starting point,” he said.

University Registrar Dr. Maurice D. Smith reiterated that it was time to “examine how higher education institutions can remain, reimagine our traditional approach and find innovative strategies to partner with our communities.”

Professor Densil A. Williams, in his (then) capacity as Pro Vice- Chancellor and Principal of the Five Islands Campus, shared concerns about the region becoming stuck in a “long time, low growth, low wage trap.” He emphasised the importance of having an access revolution for post-secondary education. “That is going to be critical if we are going to allow our people to have the kinds of skill sets needed to participate in the new economy.” He spoke in the context of the rise of artificial intelligence, and observed that the post-secondary curriculum needed to be expanded to cover new skills: “complex problem solving, emotional intelligence, creativity, and innovation.”