The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) has been recognized as a global leader in sustainability practices, featuring prominently as the lead story in the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme’s (RESEMBID) global newsletter recently released. This accolade underscores UCCI’s pivotal role in the Caribbean's transition to sustainable energy and environmental stewardship. RESEMBID have also launched a video entitled Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Training Program at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI).
Through a strategic partnership with RESEMBID, supported by grants totaling more than €1.5 million, UCCI has embarked on a transformative journey to cultivate renewable energy sources and sustainable practices across the Cayman Islands. This initiative aligns with the nation’s National Energy Policy, which targets an 80% reliance on renewable energy by 2037.
In an impressive stride towards enhancing the local workforce, the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), with substantial backing from the RESEMBID programme, successfully launched its first major project aimed at training 50 unemployed and underemployed Caymanians on June 27, 2022.
This initiative, funded by a grant of €432,000 from RESEMBID, focused on equipping participants with vital skills in four key sectors: sustainable construction, renewable energy, Information Communications Technology (ICT), and tourism. The training programme not only aimed to boost individual employability but also sought to strengthen the community's overall economic and environmental resilience. By providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge, the project played a critical role in preparing participants for the demands of the evolving job market, reinforcing UCCI's commitment to fostering sustainable development and social empowerment within the Cayman Islands.
In February 2023, UCCI celebrated a second significant milestone with the award of a €1.1 million grant from the European Union’s RESEMBID fund. This grant is transforming UCCI into a hub for sustainable practices and renewable energy research. The funding enhanced UCCI’s infrastructure and educational programmes, emphasizing the transition from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives. This aligns with the Cayman Islands Government’s National Energy Policy and addresses urgent regional and global environmental challenges.
Dr. Robert W. Robertson, President, and CEO of UCCI, emphasized the critical nature of this initiative, “The challenge of transitioning to sustainable energy sources is crucial for the Caribbean. With these grants, UCCI is leading by example, providing data and research that will inform sustainable energy decisions for decades to come.”
Fabian McKinnon, Programme Director of RESEMBID, also commented on the significance of UCCI’s projects, noting, “The University’s initiatives are vital for educating and equipping the Caribbean with the tools to embrace sustainable energy. We are thrilled to support such impactful work that promises widespread benefits across the region.”
In addition to the RESEMBID-supported projects, UCCI has also become a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a United Nations-supported initiative. This affiliation further solidifies UCCI’s commitment to leading responsible management education both locally and globally.
For more information about UCCI’s sustainability initiatives and how you can contribute, please visit Sustainable UCCI on social media.
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