Demonstrating its dedication to social impact, the School of Business at the University of Jordan (UJ) organized an online seminar titled “Higher Education, Sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” on April 24th, 2024, as part of its annual training program for 2023-2024.
The seminar featured Professor Wendy Purcell, a distinguished global leader and keynote speaker renowned for her expertise in universities, sustainability, and change. It underscored the pivotal role that universities play in fostering positive societal change and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Discussions delved into the array of challenges facing universities worldwide, including technological advancements like AI, climate change, and various health, political, and societal pressures. These underscored the urgent need for universities to bolster resilience and spearhead sustainability efforts. Professor Purcell provided valuable recommendations for navigating these evolving landscapes.
Emphasizing the importance of universities highlighting their unique attributes and contextualizing sustainability efforts to align with their values, Purcell advocated for a reassessment of universities' value propositions, urging a shift towards prioritizing sustainability across its three pillars: environmental, social, and economic.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Professor Purcell shared insights from leading universities, including Harvard University, and institutions in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. She reiterated the significant role of universities in driving sustainability initiatives, stressing the imperative for intertwining societal impact with their core mission, encompassing research, teaching, learning, and service endeavors.
In his remarks, Dean of the School of Business, Professor Raed Masadeh Bani Yaseen, emphasized the seminar's theme's significance and highlighted the invaluable contributions of inviting distinguished speakers from prestigious institutions to enrich the school community with their insights. He reaffirmed the school's dedication to nurturing partnerships with international institutions.
Assistant Dean for Quality Assurance Affairs, Dr. Rima Al Hasan, echoed the seminar's relevance, emphasizing sustainability and social impact as integral components of the university's strategic plan and the School of Business execution plan.
It's noteworthy that Professor Wendy Purcell held several esteemed positions, including full Professor at Rutgers University, USA, Visiting Professor at Harvard University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and University College London, UK.