IHRSSF Director spotlights strategic security at UG Career Fair

April 22 2026

Over the weekend, the University of Guyana (UG) hosted its much-anticipated Open Day and Job Fair at their Turkeyen campus, bringing together students and industry leaders to explore educational and professional opportunities.

A key figure at the event was Debbie Hopkinson, Director of the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security, and the Future (IHRSSF). Hopkinson emphasized the crucial role of the Institute in shaping the future leaders of Guyana.

Hopkinson addressed the evolving challenges of a rapidly changing world in which Guyana’s geopolitical landscape is evolving with the advent of oil and gas, increase migrant populations and Poles of power. To this end a range of programmes and specialized courses are offered, which focus on human resiliency, strategic security and strategic leadership. Hopkinson outlined the importance of these programmes “At the Institute, we believe that understanding human resiliency and strategic security is essential for fostering sustainable development, safeguarding the human species and our national geographical land space,” Hopkinson stated.

During the interview, Hopkinson explained that the programmes are designed to prepare graduates for careers in various fields, including public policy, security analysis, and crisis/strategic leadership. Hopkinson highlighted some of the innovative courses available at the Institute that include a Masters in Strategic Development Studies, Information Gathering and Intelligence Analysis, Trauma and Grief Resiliency to name a few. These courses not only provide theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are critical for equipping leaders, administrators with the competencies required to navigate complex global issues, for strategic decision making and for remaining resilient during and after a crisis.

The Career Day provided a platform for students to interact with representatives from various sectors, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to them. Hopkinson encouraged students to consider careers that contribute to the resilience and security of their communities. “Every student has the potential to make a difference,” she urged.” Pursuing studies in fields that address human resiliency and strategic security, can aid in our young human resource pool being a cadre of leaders who drive the advancement of human and strategic resiliency systems. ”

Further, Hopkinson stressed the importance of collaboration with governmental, national security agencies and key non-governmental organizations, which help students gain insights into the practical applications of their studies.

Hopkinson acknowledged the role of His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali in commissioning the MSD programme. She also recognised the vision of the Vice- Chancellor in addressing the UG blueprint on resiliency systems and expressed gratitude to key Joint services ranks from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service for their continued support as well as Governmental, non-governmental stakeholders and colleagues at the University of Guyana.

As the University of Guyana continues to foster an environment of learning and growth, the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security, and the Future stands out as a beacon, having received the 2023 William J. Perry Award for its Master of Science in Strategic Development Studies Programme (MSD).