World Humanitarian Day 2021
by Priya Sharma, Director of PRME
Lecturer at the Department of Business, Law & Taxation
School of Business
We celebrated World Humanitarian Day (WHD) on 20 August 2021. A signature event by the School of Business Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) platform, this year's event was significant considering the diversity of challenges facing humanity at this time. The theme for WHD 2021 was "Human Race", which focuses on taking up global action to combat climate change while standing in solidarity with vulnerable populations around the world.
The event began with the Alumni Changemakers forum — together, participants dwelled on this year's theme. From the unprecedented wild fires in the US to the extraordinary heat in Siberia, the impact of climate change is felt in every corner of the world. The panel discussed how the business ecosystem could contribute to addressing the climate crisis in various ways.
In keeping with the theme, we also took the opportunity to discuss humane-oriented leadership in today's businesses, which is also incidentally the focus of AACSB, an accreditation body for business schools. The panel impressed upon us how business leaders should embrace compassion and empathy in their leadership and "walk the talk" while practising diversity and inclusion at every level of the organisation. The panel also discussed the importance of collaborations and meaningful partnerships in supporting marginalised and vulnerable communities.
The forum was followed by the presentation of Certificates of Completion of the Employability and Entrepreneurial Education (3Ev) program for Refugees 2021, a collaborative effort between UNHCR and Monash Malaysia School of Business PRME platform. The ceremony was graced by Professor Andrew Walker, President, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of School of Business. Deputy Representative of UNHCR Anna Pelosi and Head of Education of UNHCR, Mimi Zarina.
The event ended with the announcement of the winners of the Tribute & Appreciation Art competition. This competition called for students to express appreciation and respect to enterprises/organisations or individual entrepreneurs who have responded to the local community's much-needed support during this pandemic. This competition is an initiative by eiHub to recognise World Entrepreneurs Day, which is celebrated every 21 August.