The Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) highlighted significant achievements in development policy, environmental management, and disaster risk reduction. The ISD, in collaboration with UN agencies and international partners, maintained its leadership role in the Caribbean UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and served as the secretariat for the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development (GICSRD).

Teaching and Student Development

ISD continued to offer postgraduate programmes, conferring one PhD and one MPhil degree, with 17 MSc students set to graduate, of whom seven received distinctions. The 2025–2027 cohort includes 19 students. Student feedback favoured online learning, prompting the expansion of mixed-mode course delivery to increase accessibility for students outside Kingston. Fieldwork remains an in-person activity.

Research and Grants

ISD managed approximately US$1.4 million in grants. Although the USAID-funded project on community climate resilience was cancelled after substantial progress, ISD collaborated with Northeastern University to support resilience in Barbados and Dominica. Collaborative research with the Centre for Marine Sciences and other departments included oceanographic sampling supported by Global Support and Development (GSD). GICSRD’s campus events fostered collaboration among UWI staff engaged in climate and resilience research.

Strategic Projects

A team led by Professor Clayton developed a Maritime Security Strategy for the Regional Security System, enhancing its threat-mitigation capabilities. ISD and partners supported Dominica in disaster risk reduction, resulting in improved early warning systems, disaster response plans, and risk mapping, despite setbacks caused by Hurricane Beryl.

ISD contributed to tracking disaster expenditure in the Bahamas and evaluated the UK ODA’s impact on Caribbean disaster resilience. Notably, ISD staff presented climate change research before the Jamaican Public Administration and Appropriations Committee and participated in national policy discussions.

Global Engagement and Partnerships

ISD expanded its global presence, with staff participating in UN advisory boards and high-level international meetings. Ms Manickchand was appointed as the SDSN Caribbean Network Manager, advancing the SDGs regionally. GICSRD hosted seminars, resilience workshops, and symposia in partnership with international universities and organisations, promoting community-based disaster risk reduction and climate education. Events included collaborative workshops across Barbados, Mexico, and Canada, as well as youth- focused climate justice panels.

Support to Public Bodies

ISD members served on the UNDRR’s Regional Science and Technology Advisory Group and led the Caribbean chapter of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. ISD also facilitated UWI’s observer status at the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), thereby enhancing participation in regional projects and conferences.

Conclusion

The 2024/2025 reporting period underscores ISD’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable development, research excellence, and regional and global collaboration. Despite challenges, ISD’s work continues to shape policy, build resilience, and foster academic and community partnerships within the Caribbean and beyond.