The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Wednesday, August 24, 2022— The University of the West Indies (The UWI) congratulates Grenada’s Senator Simon Stiell on his new role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat. 

His appointment was announced by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on August 15. He is said to have described Senator Stiell as “a true champion” of creative approaches to tackling the global climate crisis.

The new climate chief has been among a handful of prominent figures from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) lobbying rich countries to step up their efforts to combat climate change and help those around the world who are most vulnerable. 

Given the urgent climate action needs of the region, The UWI is particularly proud and pleased to have this level of representation here in the Caribbean to continue advancing efforts to limit global warming to 1.5° and preserve the lives and livelihoods of Caribbean people.

Executive Director of The UWI’s recently established Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development Professor John Agard noted “Caribbean islands are in the front line with regard to climate change effects from hurricanes and tropical storms which cause impacts on human health, agriculture and the destruction of infrastructure. The Institute welcomes this opportunity to collaborate with the new UN Climate Change Executive Secretary who is from the Caribbean.”