Grenadian Diplomat Dessima Williams Visits University of Wisconsin as Inaugural Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Human Rights

Strategic Insights -

Dessima Williams, a renowned Grenadian diplomat and advocate for human rights, climate action, and sustainable development, is visiting the University of Wisconsin from March 28 to April 8 as the Human Rights Program's inaugural Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Human Rights. Williams, a veteran of international relations and development, has served as Grenada's Ambassador to the United Nations and has been a driving force behind several climate change initiatives. Her work has focused on empowering women, children, and rural communities, and she has taught at various institutions, including the University of Minnesota and Brandeis University. During her residency, Williams will engage with law students, participate in the Wisconsin International Law Journal symposium on climate law, and speak to students at Madison East High School.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dessima Williams is visiting the University of Wisconsin from March 28 to April 8 as the Human Rights Program's inaugural Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Human Rights.
  • Williams has extensive experience in international relations and development, serving as Grenada's Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009-2013 and as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States.
  • Her work has focused on climate action, sustainable development, women's and children's rights, and rural development, with a particular emphasis on empowering emerging leaders in rural communities.
  • Williams has taught at various institutions, including the University of Minnesota, Brandeis University, and Williams College, and has worked with organizations such as Oxfam International on climate change initiatives.
  • During her residency, Williams will participate in the Wisconsin International Law Journal symposium on climate law, meet with law students, and speak to students at Madison East High School.
  • Williams' residency is supported by the Law School and the Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center within the University of Wisconsin's International Division.
  • Williams' background includes serving as Special Adviser for Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations in 2016.
  • She is the founder and Executive Director of the Grenada Education and Development Programme (GRENED), which works with rural young school-aged girls and boys and supports them as emerging leaders.

Statistics:

  • 40-island global climate-change effort led by Williams as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States.
  • 2009-2013: Williams served as Grenada's Ambassador to the United Nations.
  • 2016: Williams was appointed Special Adviser for Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations.
  • Williams has taught at the secondary, college, and university levels.

Sources:

  • University of Wisconsin News Release.