The role of businesses and business schools in integrating refugees into communities and local economies.
Hosted by the Center for Education on Social Responsibility and the CESR Fellows Student Group
The Center for Education on Social Responsibility (CESR) hosted the Regional Summit on Refugee Issues October 26th, 2016 in response to a call to action by the United Nations Global Compact to UN PRME chapter business schools.
The primary focus of the summit was: What actions can businesses and business schools take to better integrate refugees into their communities and local economies?
"Research demonstrates that refugees are much more likely to start new businesses that create wealth, employ local residents, and stimulate investment," said Dr. Mark Meaney, Executive Director of the Center for Education in Social Responsibility at Leeds. Meaney continued, "The Summit will highlight how Colorado business schools can promote economic growth in local economies by assisting refugees with entrepreneurship, or in filling labor and skills gaps."
The summit called on experts from Colorado state and local government, NGOs, business leaders and universities to consider the impact of the greatest movement of people since World War II and particularly, the increasing number of refugees resettling in Colorado. In 2015, 2,250 refugees and refugee eligible populations were resettled in Colorado, with the majority coming from Burma, Bhutan, Somalia and Iraq. Colorado will see an additional some 3,000 in 2016.
Read the recap here
“Research demonstrates that refugees are much more likely to start new businesses that create wealth, employ local residents and stimulate investment.”
Dr. Mark Meaney, Executive Director of CESR
International
- More than 21 million people have crossed international borders in search of refuge
- Over 65 million people have been displaced (5.8 million more than in 2014)
- This is the greatest movement of people since World War II
- For more on the national refugee crisis click here
Local
- In FFY 2015, 2,250 refugees and refugee eligible populations were resettled in Colorado, with the majority coming from Burma, Bhutan, Somalia and Iraq
- Refugees face many obstacles and barriers when trying to integrate into the community
- For more on Colorado’s refugee resettlement program, click here
Speakers
Meet the businesses, NGOs, government offices and business schools that will be speaking.
Agenda
Attend any one of the panels at the Refugee Crisis Summit to learn more about integrating better business practices regarding inclusion.
Registration is now closed.
What is UN PRME?
UN Principles for Responsible Management (PRME) initiative is the first organized relationship between the United Nations and business schools. Its mission is to "transform management education, research and thought leadership globally by providing the Principles for Responsible Management Education framework, developing learning communities and promoting awareness about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.”
Business Action Plan
Currently, a global refugee crisis is occurring where people are seeking refuge from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The United Nations is urging all actors in society, including businesses, to support this challenge of the global refugee crisis. Organizations can not only support in a financial manner, but the UN also suggests activities including core business (addressing the issue internally, i.e. hiring practices), social investment and philanthropy (i.e. strategic social investment support), advocacy and public policy engagement (fostering social cohesion), and partnership/collective action (working with the UN or governments to help find solutions).
What is the pledge?
The UN created a pledge concept to help work towards a change in this refugee crisis. Organizations, businesses or individuals have the option to vocalize their dedication for this cause by creating their own individual and unique pledge. Learn how others are implementing their pledges and sign your own here.