Investment in courses and certification focused on Small Island Studies
The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and the University of Aruba (UA) signed a strategic agreement on Thursday, August 13, marking another important step in the enduring collaboration between both organizations. Through this collaboration, A.T.A. will reinforce the multidisciplinary Small Island Studies program to be developed by the University of Aruba, focusing on the unique opportunities and challenges faced by islands like Aruba. The agreement was signed by A.T.A. CEO Ronella Croes and University of Aruba President Curator Juri Nicolaas, in the presence of other representatives from A.T.A. and the University of Aruba.
For many years, the University of Aruba and A.T.A. have shared a common commitment to contributing to Aruba’s sustainable development through research, community projects, and educational opportunities. This new agreement strengthens the existing relationship and expands the impact with a specific emphasis on innovation, resilience, digital transformation, good governance, cultural identity, and public-private cooperation. The goal of these efforts is to center on the challenges Aruba faces as a small island.
The agreement focuses on developing and reinforcing a multidisciplinary Small Island Studies program under the University of Aruba’s Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL). The University of Aruba’s initiative aims to elevate and combine continuous education, applied research, and community collaboration to prepare students and professionals to face the unique opportunities and challenges of islands like Aruba. The new initiative will offer courses and certifications focused on topics important to islands like Aruba, including innovation, entrepreneurship, resilience, digital transformation, and good governance. The initiative combines academic education with research and real-world projects, giving students and professionals practical experience related to the challenges of our community and economy. Additionally, the program will position Aruba as a recognized knowledge hub for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), fostering expertise exchange, relevant research, and regional collaboration.
The agreement aligns with A.T.A.’s strategic priorities to strengthen education, prepare the workforce, stimulate data-driven progress, and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable visitor economy. By connecting academia, government, and the private sector, Small Island Studies will create new opportunities for research, innovation, and economic development for the benefit of Aruba.
“For A.T.A., this collaboration is an investment in Aruba’s future. Tourism depends on local talent, knowledge, and leadership prepared for the demands of tomorrow. By supporting programs like this that focus on Small Island Studies, we contribute to preparing professionals who can develop innovative solutions for the benefit of our community and economy,” said A.T.A. CEO Ronella Croes.
“For the University of Aruba, this aligns with our goal, where we can contribute on both an academic and practical level to the challenges we face as a small island in the Caribbean. With this multi-interdisciplinary initiative, we will strengthen our ties with the public and private sectors and the community to reinforce our commitment to being an active participant in our society, where we contribute to stimulating participation, knowledge, education, and involvement as good citizens of Aruba,” stated Juri Nicolaas, President Curator of the University of Aruba.
With the signing of this agreement, A.T.A. and the University of Aruba reaffirm their shared commitment to investing in knowledge, local talent, and collaboration. This partnership helps create a solid foundation to shape the next generation of professionals and leaders while contributing to a more resilient Aruba prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
