UCCI’S SUSTAINABILITY SYMPOSIUM UNITES LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS AND GLOBAL EXPERTS TO ADVANCE CAYMAN’S SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) welcomed a diverse crowd of local business leaders, global sustainability experts, government officials, faculty, students, and community members at its Sustainability Symposium which took place on Thursday 20 March 2025. The day-long event, underscored the importance of forging partnerships, showcasing innovative best practices, and engaging the community in building a more sustainable Cayman.

Delivering the keynote address was Dr. Yogi Goswami, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Clean Energy Research Centre at the University of South Florida. Dr. Goswami’s presentation, focused on renewable energy adoption and climate resilience. In his remarks, he commended the Cayman Islands for taking proactive steps in advancing the sustainability agenda.

Dr. Yogi Goswami, commented, “It is heartening to see how UCCI is paving the way for meaningful change in the Cayman Islands. By uniting businesses, government, researchers, and the wider community under one roof, UCCI is demonstrating the power of collective action in tackling pressing environmental challenges.”

The Symposium opened with a welcome from UCCI President and CEO, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, who outlined the University’s commitment to transforming its campus into a hub of sustainability and innovation. The Symposium also highlighted the collaboration with the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme. RESEMBID’s Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Andrea Floudiotis, spoke about the critical funding and resources that have been channelled into UCCI to support comprehensive renewable energy planning and sustainable initiatives on campus. This partnership has financed a range of projects, including training and development, solar installations, building retrofit plans, digital monitoring systems, and a “living laboratory” concept that integrates real-time research and data into teaching and learning.

Throughout the day, attendees watched high-impact sessions and panel discussions including a panel entitled Leveraging the Cayman Community for the Future of Sustainability. Panelists included Matthew Bishop (EVP, DART), Cathy Childs (Project Manager, National Trust), and Richard Hew (CEO, CUC). They addressed solutions to sustainability challenges, encouraging collaboration between the corporate sector and community. A second panel entitled Cultivating Cayman: Building a Sustainable Future Through Investment in Agriculture’ welcomed Demoy Nash, Deputy Director - Department of Agriculture (Acting), Woody Foster, Managing Director of Foster Group Tevin Jones, Supervisor at Island Fresh and Cleveland Julien from UCCI.

Presenters such as Ms. Franziska Trautmann, Co-Founder and CEO of Glass Half Full, and Dr. Robert “Bobbie” Savoie of Loyola University (New Orleans), also shared innovative case studies on global sustainability best practice and how academic institutions can lead community engagement efforts around sustainability.

Ms. Trautmann, whose firm transforms recycled glass into sand for coastal restoration projects, emphasized how local adaptation of creative technologies can empower Caribbean communities.

Dr. Robert Robertson, UCCI President and CEO, commented, “We believe that sustainability is not an optional pursuit but an institutional responsibility. With support from our partners, including RESEMBID, we are striving to serve as a catalyst for change in our region. By educating future leaders, investing in renewable energy, and convening stakeholders, we will continue to foster a culture that values people, the planet, and prosperity for all.”

Representatives from the private sector, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and students used this time to discuss ongoing projects, explore potential collaborations, and share visions for ensuring the Cayman Islands remain aligned with global sustainability trends. Attendees also got to also preview UCCI’s Sustainability Action Plan 2024-2030, which outlines a roadmap for reducing the University’s carbon footprint, enhancing local biodiversity research, and nurturing a culture of sustainability on campus. The UCCI Sustainability Plan is built upon the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a global blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future. These goals outline key action areas for UCCI going forward.

Mr. Cleveland Julien, RESEMBID Project Manager at UCCI, underscored the Symposium’s success, “We are honoured to have had so many distinguished speakers and engaged participants share their insights here at UCCI. This Symposium has sparked a wealth of new ideas, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going as we implement the Sustainability Action Plan. We hope that businesses and the larger community will continue to join forces with us to drive meaningful, long-term change.”

UCCI’s Sustainability Symposium 2025 stands as a model for how academia, government, industry, and community members can rally around pressing environmental and social issues. By fostering partnerships, leveraging innovation, and committing to measurable outcomes, UCCI is determined to help shape a future where the Cayman Islands thrives in harmony with its natural resources.