On 8 November, 2022, OBREAL Global and Universities Caribbean – chair of the OBREAL Global Caribbean Chapter – officially launched the Caribbean Chapter in the context of a symposium on “Women, Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Wider Caribbean Region”, hosted by the University Simor Bolivar in Baranquilla Colombia, a new OBREAL Global member and important bridge between South America, Colombia and the Caribbean.
The event was held in conjunction with the Universities Caribbean General Assembly. In the context of the event, OBREAL Global sponsored an important high-level dialogue on What Can Universities Do to Sustain Creative Industries ? The panel gathered representatives from all OBREAL Global chapters:
- Clíona Maher, International Strategy Officer for Latin America, University College Cork, Ireland
- Dra Viola Heutger, Rector, University of Aruba
- Ana Maria Nhampule, Vice Rector for International Relations University Joachim Chissano, Mozambique
- Hanif Mohammed Marakkarackayil, Asian Institute of Design, India
- And Elizabeth Bernal, Director for Academics, Association of Colombian Universities (ASCUN)
Project Manager Apiyo Okwiri and Myriam Moise, Secretary General of Universities Caribbean, kicked off the discussion and made important points regarding the goal of the chapter going forward.
OBREAL GLOBAL Caribbean chapter aims at representing the Caribbean region, taking into account all its specificities. It highlights the specific importance of university leadership and offers a platform for Higher Education communities to boost their capacities through innovation diplomacy. The Chapter has its own priorities and work plan, yet is connected to and benefits from the South American (led by ASCUN, Colombia) and Central American (led by CSUCA) Chapters, where certain members, universities, as well as priorities and interests overlap.
The activities of the Caribbean chapter will be enhanced by an international ‘Caribbean Chapter Committee’ constituted of executives and active members of Universities Caribbean as well as identified UC partners and stakeholders across the region.
Amongst the thematic priorities are:
- Sustainable Tourism
- Creative Industries and Energy Transition and Gender Equality
Capacity building activities will be organized throughout 2023.
