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Small Island Developing States

Newcastle University is actively partnering with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) institutions to tackle global challenges.

Tackling global challenges

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face distinct social, economic and environmental challenges. SIDS are a group of 38 UN Member States and 20 Non-UN / Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions.

We are working in partnership with SIDS institutions to tackle global challenges such as:

  • co-investigating threats to marine ecosystems
  • hosting joint workshops on the use of sustainable construction materials

We’re also proud to welcome students from over 15 SIDS countries, including the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago.

Find out more about Small Island Developing States

H.E Chad Blackman, Ambassador of Barbados in Geneva, at Newcastle University

Snapshots of our collaborations in SIDS

International students

If you're an international student, visit our International Student website. You’ll find information about entry requirements, scholarships and more for your country.

Global opportunities

Newcastle University has a strong partnership with the Barbados Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. We were able to place students in three in-person and 11 virtual internships at the:

  • Barbados Permanent Mission in Geneva to the United Nations
  • World Trade Organisation
  • other international organisations

Through the internships, students gained a unique insight into the Embassy of a Small Island and Developing State. They represented Barbados at the World Trade Organisations’ 12th Ministerial Conference.

H.E Chad Blackman, Ambassador of Barbados in Geneva also gave a guest lecture to Master’s students at Newcastle University. He was also a guest speaker at a roundtable event on the Blue Economy.

International Coalition of Sites of Conscience

We have a strategic partnership with the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC). We’ve placed student interns at several ICSC member sites, including the Women’s Institute for Alternative Development in Trinidad and Tobago. Students actively promote social justice and a universal culture of human rights. They work to:

  • empower marginalised communities
  • counter hate speech and violent extremism
  • preserve the memory of victims of human rights violations

We offer opportunities to travel to SIDS and other global destinations through:

  • exchanges
  • summer programmes
  • volunteering
  • work opportunities

Visit our Global Opportunities website

Newcastle University interns at the Embassy of a Small Island and Developing State