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, the University of Dubai is hosting the 3^rd Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) MENA Regional Conference on 10^th and 11^th 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, the event brings influential speakers from around the region and globe to address the question of how institutions of higher education effectively instill principles of sustainability and responsibility in their business programs to produce a more thoughtful, enlightened graduate. 

Commenting on the event, His Excellency Hisham Abdulla Al Shirawi, Chairman of Economic Zones World and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Chamber stated; “The University of Dubai was the first university in the Middle East to become a PRME signatory in 2008. This is consistent with the principles of developing future leaders established when the Dubai Chamber founded the University of Dubai in 1997. This was also in recognition of the need for our students to understand the importance of responsible, sustainable business. The PRME principles to which we have signed provide us with a road map for this goal. We are proud and honored to be hosting this important event at a time when the concept of responsible management is at the forefront of business thinking in the region.” 

The PRME is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, committed to championing responsible management education, research and leadership globally. It was created 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. 

University of Dubai President His Excellency Dr. Eesa Bastaki said, “The University of Dubai is proud to host the PRME conference at an important potential moment for Dubai. The decision to award Expo 2020 will be made on November 27th and, while I do not wish to prejudge the decision made by the 167 member nations of the Bureau of International Expositions, like many in UAE I have long been a supporter of our candidacy. Under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Dubai Expo 2020 has created an initiative entitled Expo Live. This initiative underlines the Emirate’s commitment to inclusion and innovation under the subthemes of Dubai Expo 2020; Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity. I believe that the University of Dubai, through its accredited business programs and its signatory to PRME, is completely aligned with this mission. Our graduates are offered mobility within their careers through the reputation which our nationally and internationally accredited programs give them. Our graduates are educated in the implications of business decisions and strategy on the sustainability of their organizations and the societies in which they operate. We are committed to producing leaders who work for the benefit of all and not just shareholders. Finally, our programs and the links which the University of Dubai has established in our community, provide our students and graduates with unmatched opportunities. I believe that it is our National and social responsibility to provide every support for the Dubai Expo 2020 candidacy and we wish the team every success in its bid”. 

Since the University of Dubai’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 conference 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 is 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, Dr. Bouchra Al Mulla, Director of Social and Cohesion Department at 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 are bringing 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.”