The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) expanded its international research engagement in February through its participation in the 4th Annual Research Symposium of the Canada–Caribbean Institute (CCI), held February 19–20, 2026, at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus.
The symposium, themed “Securing Canada–Caribbean Futures: Repositioning Historical and Emerging Challenges,” convened scholars, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across Canada and the Caribbean to examine regional security issues and explore collaborative research responses to emerging social, economic, and governance challenges.
Representing USC was President Dr. Colwick Wilson, who served as chair of the symposium’s Youth Forum, a featured session that examined the role of young people in addressing gender disparities in education and shaping the region’s social and economic future.
The forum brought together a panel of researchers whose work focuses on structural and policy dimensions of educational inequality, including Dr. Beverly Jean Daniel (Toronto Metropolitan University), Professor Carl James (York University), and Dr. Lisa Edwards (University of Guyana). Their presentations explored the cultural, institutional, and policy factors influencing gender gaps in educational attainment and youth development across Canada and the Caribbean.
Student researchers and youth advocates also contributed to the discussion, offering perspectives drawn from their lived experiences within regional education systems. Conversations addressed mentorship, gendered expectations in academic and professional pathways, and the broader implications of educational inequality for social stability and economic mobility.
Across its two-day program, the symposium featured keynote presentations and research panels involving a wide network of institutions from both regions. Participating universities and colleges included The University of the West Indies (St. Augustine and Mona campuses), York University, the University of Toronto, Victoria University in the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, McGill University, McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Brock University, St. Clair College, George Brown College, Northern Caribbean University, the University of Guyana, Université d’État d’Haïti, Universidad Simón Bolívar, and the University of the Southern Caribbean.
Together, participants presented research addressing topics ranging from climate resilience and environmental justice to artificial intelligence, mental health, and human rights, underscoring the growing importance of Canada–Caribbean academic collaboration.
“Engaging with the Canada–Caribbean Institute provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen collaborative research relationships and to connect scholarly inquiry with practical solutions for the challenges facing our region,” said Dr. Wilson.
USC’s participation reflects the university’s broader commitment to research that informs policy and supports sustainable development across the Caribbean. As the institution approaches its centennial in 2027, partnerships such as this continue to expand USC’s role in regional and international scholarly dialogue.
The full Youth Forum discussion may be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj53-gyYIe0
