On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the University of London bestowed the prestigious title of Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences upon Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. The ceremony, held on the university’s Foundation Day, commemorated its 189th anniversary and took place at Senate House, the institution’s administrative hub, under the patronage of Chancellor Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. During the event, orator Professor Kingsley Abbott lauded Sir Hilary for his decades of exceptional scholarship, leadership in higher education, and groundbreaking advocacy for social justice globally. Born into the ‘Windrush’ generation, Sir Hilary’s academic journey began in the UK, where he earned a PhD in Economic History from Hull University at just 24 years old. His career soared as he became the youngest professor at the University of the West Indies at 35, later serving as its Vice-Chancellor. Today, he holds dual roles as Chancellor of the United Nations University and Distinguished Chancellor’s Visiting Professor at Cornell University. In his acceptance speech, Sir Hilary dedicated the honor to the University of the West Indies, which he described as his academic ancestral home, tracing its roots back to the University of London in 1948. He also reflected on his time as a Senior Research Fellow at the university 39 years ago, where he published his first major academic work. The University of the West Indies, established in 1948 with 33 medical students, has since grown into a globally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students across five campuses and international centers. It offers over 1,000 programs in diverse fields and is recognized in the Times Higher Education rankings for its contributions to research and sustainable development. Its International School for Development Justice (ISD) further cements its commitment to fostering future leaders in sustainable development.