Northumbria Represented at UN General Assembly sessions

Northumbria University has added its voice to the global debate on sustainability and responsible business education by attending key international forums in New York, coinciding with the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Dr Alex Hope, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Business and Law at Northumbria, recently participated in the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Global Board meeting and the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit, where leading academic institutions and business leaders discussed advancing sustainable development and responsible management education.

The visit, which took place during Climate Week NYC, showcased Northumbria’s commitment to promoting responsible business education and sustainability on the world stage. The discussions emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in tackling global challenges such as climate change, and how business schools can champion sustainable leadership aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

At the PRME Global Board meeting Dr Hope, who is Co-Chair of the UNs PRME Climate Change and Environment working group, collaborated with prestigious institutions, including GIBS Business School, Ivey Business School, INCAE Business School, and The University of Sydney Business School.

Dr Hope also attended the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, engaging with senior figures from global organizations and business communities dedicated to accelerating the integration of sustainability into corporate strategies. Northumbria’s presence at this summit reinforced the university’s commitment to global sustainability leadership and alignment with the UN Global Compact’s vision for a more sustainable future.

Dr Hope said: “It was an honour to represent Northumbria in such influential discussions. Our involvement in these global initiatives underlines our commitment to fostering responsible business practices and preparing future leaders to address today’s complex challenges. Collaborating at this level also highlights Northumbria’s role in a global network dedicated to ethical and sustainable management education.”

Northumbria University’s active role on the PRME Global Board and participation in the UN Global Compact reflects its leadership in embedding the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into higher education and shaping the future of responsible business education. These efforts support the university’s mission to drive sustainable development through education, research, and collaboration with global partners.