THE University of Guyana (UG) has strengthened its global academic reach after signing new strategic partnerships with two North American institutions during the recently concluded Work Futures and Capacitation Conclave.
The high-level forum, which ended last Friday, brought together local and international futurists and policy thinkers to examine how Guyana and the wider Caribbean can prepare for rapid economic, technological, and social change.
The discussions culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Saint Leo University and the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT).
The conclave was held against the backdrop of Guyana’s unprecedented economic expansion, with the country projected to be the world’s fastest-growing economy in 2026.
UG said the partnerships are part of a broader effort to ensure higher education remains aligned with labour market demands and national development priorities.
Held on February 5 and 6 at UG’s Turkeyen Campus, the conclave brought together approximately 30 specially selected local and international futurists.
Participants explored emerging tensions between skills and knowledge production, technology and humanity, traditional employment and new forms of work, as well as stability versus rapid disruption.
According to the university, the event focused on three main objectives: Developing a shared global understanding of work futures at the global, regional and local levels; crafting actionable workforce planning guidelines capable of responding to rapid change; and strengthening cross-sector partnerships among government, industry, communities and academia.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of an MOU between UG and Saint Leo University. The agreement was signed by Dr. Bryan DePoy, Provost of Saint Leo University, on behalf of President Dr. James Burkee.
The partnership is expected to support academic exchange, collaborative research, and the development of innovative academic credentials.
Planned initiatives include formal student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research addressing regional challenges in sustainability, economics and technology, and consideration of a joint leadership graduate certificate aimed at equipping Guyanese professionals with advanced management skills.
“Guyana is identified as having the fastest national economic growth in the world in 2026, and the University of Guyana is a regional leader in higher education,” Dr. DePoy said. “We are delighted to complete this MOU as it reflects Saint Leo University’s interest in building a strong global brand and meaningful international partnerships.”
UG also signed an MOU with the New England Institute of Technology, represented by Vice-Provost Dr. Henry Young. This partnership places emphasis on technical and vocational collaboration, particularly in engineering and applied technologies, areas considered critical to Guyana’s expanding infrastructure and energy sectors.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Paloma Mohamed- Martin, whose office curated the conclave, said the partnerships are practical responses to specific needs of the Guyanese economy. She noted that the university is especially interested in strengthening linkages in business systems and complex engineering, which are expected to be key drivers of national GDP growth.
“The University of Guyana appreciates the support from Saint Leo University during our two-day conclave, and we look forward to a productive and sustainable relationship,” Professor Mohamed-Martin said.
The signing ceremonies were witnessed by Dr. Robert Robertson, Senior Research Fellow at the Commonwealth Institute School of Advanced Studies, University of London; Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of UG’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation; and Dr. Jacqueline Murray, Director of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education.
UG said the presence of international futurists at the Turkeyen Campus reflects Guyana’s growing role as a global focal point for strategic human development. As economic growth accelerates, the university believes the national challenge has shifted from attracting investment to sustaining prosperity through human capital development.
The conclave placed strong emphasis on “capacitation” — the rapid strengthening of national skills and systems — with UG signalling its intention to expand flexible, industry-recognised and internationally accepted credentials that prepare graduates to keep pace with private sector needs and wider global shifts.