MOU Enhances Opportunities for UWI Students in International Trade

Students at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cave Hill Campus are set to benefit from expanded opportunities in international trade policy research and professional development, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The UWI and the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (SRC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The agreement, signed on June 18^th, 2024, by Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus Professor Clive Landis and UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno, promises to enhance the educational experience for students in the Masters in International Trade Policy (MITP) program, including their annual study tour to Geneva, and promote research in trade and trade related areas that the SRC has been leading on over the past years. The signing took place at the UN Palais in Geneva, Switzerland, coinciding with the annual study tour of Geneva undertaken by the MITP students from the SRC.

Building on over a decade of collaboration between UNCTAD and The UWI, the MOU strengthens joint research on trade-related topics of particular relevance to the Caribbean region. It also enhances capacity building through student study tours, which have been a cornerstone of their partnership. Since 2012, over 200 students have benefited from these tours, both in-person and virtual, gaining cutting-edge knowledge on the ever-evolving global economy and exposure to multilateralism in action.

The yearly visits have covered a range of critical issues on the Caribbean’s development agenda. These include the economic challenges faced by small island developing states, the sustainable ocean economy, climate change, regional trade integration, and preferential agreements like the European Union-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement.

The signing ceremony was attended by Director of the SRC, Dr. Jan Yves Remy; Geneva-based Ambassador to the UN, Matthew Wilson of Barbados; Dean of Social Sciences at Cave Hill Campus Professor Troy Lorde; and staff from both the SRC and UNCTAD, as well as the MITP students.

Principal Clive Landis praised the “thriving partnership” for strengthening trade research and engaging Caribbean students.

“This MOU signifies the joint commitment between our organizations to provide our students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of international trade policy, benefiting not only their academic pursuits but also their future careers”, Landis added.

Pedro Manuel Moreno echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership, particularly in the area of research.

“Research is one of our main pillars of work,” said Mr. Moreno, referencing the organization’s core strength in providing data and analysis, facilitating consensus building, and offering technical assistance to developing countries. “Research is fundamental to inform policy dialogues and intergovernmental deliberations but also to feed our technical cooperation activities,” he added.

The new MOU is set to provide a robust platform for UWI students to engage in meaningful research and professional activities, further positioning them to become impactful contributors to the field of international trade and sustainable development.

(Press release)