UPEI announces 1st UNESCO chair in Atlantic Canada

The University of Prince Edward Island is now home to Atlantic Canada's first UNESCO research chair, and the 19th in Canada.

It suggests a sense of responsibility to me.- Jim Randall

UPEI announced Godfrey Baldacchino and Jim Randall as co-chairs of Island Studies and Sustainability on Friday.

"I would call it a rite of passage in the study of Island Studies at UPEI," said Baldcchino.

"It gives us a certain degree of recognition, nationally and internationally, with one of the world's most prestigious international organizations."

"It suggests a sense of responsibility to me, for the people … who are involved in Island Studies around the world," added Randall.

"It's a recognition, as well, that we have the capacity to actually get that work done."

Work already underway

Both co-chairs have a previous association with UPEI's Institute of Island Studies. Baldacchino was previously a Canada Research Chair at the institute, and Randall is the current program co-ordinator.

Randall said they have known of the appointment for some time, and have already begun work.

One of their first projects is an international symposium on climate change adaptation and small islands, in collaboration with UPEI's climate change lab. The symposium, scheduled for late September, will bring in speakers from around the world.

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