University of Dubai hosts United Nations Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education Initiative

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, the Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the University of Dubai will host the 3rd Principles for Responsible Management Education MENA Regional Forum on 10th and 11th of November 2013. Chaired by His Excellency Majid Al Shamsi, the Chairman of University of Dubai Board of Trustees and 1st Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber, and under the overarching question of “Unleashing the Impact of Responsible Management Education: Could Business Schools offer a Road Map for a Sustainable MENA Region?”, the event will comprise a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions which will focus on how Management Education can provide a significant contribution to the CSR objectives and research leadership in the Middle East. 

The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, committed to championing responsible management education, research and thoughtful leadership globally. It was inaugurated in response to the recent financial crisis, bringing together the signatories of the United Nations Global Compact to investigate methods of preventing a similar situation. While many companies have since adopted stronger responsible management practices, it is the view of the United Nations Global Compact that these practices should be taught to future business leaders and decision makers as well. 

PRME seeks to establish a process of continuous improvement among management education institutions, developing a new generation of business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by business and society in the 21st century. In particular, PRME is committed to embedding understanding of the benefits of corporate responsibility and sustainability within mainstream undergraduate and graduate business programs. This is a timely global call for business schools and universities worldwide to adapt their curricula, research, teaching methodologies and institutional strategies to the new business challenges and opportunities. 

University of Dubai President His Excellency Dr. Eesa Bastaki said, “The University of Dubai proudly became the first PRME signatory in the Middle East in 2008. This was an early recognition of the need to educate our students on the importance of responsible management within the context of their wider business studies. We expect our graduates to be the business leaders of the future. That future will be brighter for all concerned if those leaders understand the importance of responsibility and sustainability when making business decisions. As the leading accredited business management program in the UAE, we have our own responsibility to educate our graduates in the development of business in a sustainable environment”. 

Jonas Haertle, Head of the PRME Secretariat at the UN Global Compact Office said, “We are encouraged that over 500 higher education institutions around the world have committed to the Principles for Responsible Management Education. However, more actions need to be done to adapt responsible management education to the regional context. The 3rd PRME MENA Regional Forum at University of Dubai offers an excellent opportunity to identify and discuss tangible means of adapting PRME to the challenges and opportunities in the MENA region. It will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the discussions that took place at events within American University in Cairo in Egypt and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik - USEK in Lebanon.” 

Since UD’s signatory membership to the UN-PRME, several other institutions have joined from the Middle East while more than 500 universities and business schools have signed up around the world. The forum hosted by the University of Dubai will feature regional and international speakers who will be addressing the audience about the issues of responsible management, leadership, its effects on the MENA region and the implications responsible management has for the regional and global economy. 

Dr. Eappen Thiruvattal, University of Dubai's PRME coordinator said, "The event will be addressed by eminent speakers who bring diverse experiences. They include His Excellency Hisham Abdulla Al Shirawi, Chairman of Economic Zones World and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Chamber, His Excellency Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, His Excellency Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of Community Development Authority, Mr. Jonas Haertle, Head of PRME Secretariat UN Global Compact Office, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Meguid, American University of Cairo and Dr. Nehme Azoury, Secretary General of the Arab Society of Faculties of Business, Economic and Political Sciences.  In addition, senior industry leaders will bring their experiences of management and responsibility to the event. I believe that this conference will greatly benefit the participants in terms of content and networking in the field of responsible management and sustainability.”