Mobilising Academic Community Action in Response to the Refugee Crisis

26th October 2015

On 19th September 2015, the PRME Secretariat, together with the EAUC and other Steering Committee members; AACSB, AABS, ABIS, AMBA, CEEMAN, CLADEA, EFMD, GMAC and GRLI issued a call to action to business schools and management-related higher education institutions (HEIs) in response to the refugee crisis.

Sixty million people have been displaced by conflict and over 410,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean from the Middle East so far this year. Although the primary responsibility for peace rests with governments, the urgency of the global refugee crisis is a challenge that requires support from all actors in society on a short-, mid- and long-term basis.

The leaders of the international academic community were called to take action and address the refugee crisis by providing access to scholarships to business and entrepreneurship related classes and knowledge resources to refugees but also by raising awareness and understanding regarding the situation of refugees, and foster social cohesion.

By joining forces with business, governments, UN agencies, civil society organisations and/or other HEIs, business schools can forge long-term partnerships for education and sustainable development.

A number of business schools are already undertaking activities, such as engaging students and staff and offering scholarships to refugees, to respond to the crisis.

Business schools and management related HEIs can submit their pledge here.