Webinar: University Social Responsibility from Dialogue to Implementation
By Kealan Finnegan
On 16 April, UKIBC’s Tara Panjwani welcomed Dr. Daniel Rycroft, Chair of the India Dialogue at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and Prof. Prabhakar Rao, Director of ICEIE at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) for a virtual discussion on University Social Responsibility (USR) and its progression from dialogue to implementation.
This webinar was also the perfect platform to officially launch the recently published USR Guidebook, University Social Responsibility From Dialogue to Implementation, co-authored by the UEA, UoH, University of Jadavpur and supported by the UKIBC.
While sharing the findings of the Guidebook, Dr. Rycroft highlighted the value of USR as a collaborative domain, and its international potential. He went on to address the 10 principles of the UN’s Academic Impact agenda and how these could be prioritised in partnership activities that relate to the USR Guidebook.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 17, on the revitalising of global partnerships, were examined in some detail to generate a shared framework for future inter-sectoral cooperation. Dr. Rycroft pointed out the role shared knowledge plays, and will continue to play, in the implementation of the SDGs and in the defence of international democracy.
Prof. Rao stressed the importance and the unique nature of USR in the Indian scenario and the involvement of NGOs and communities. As Coronavirus lockdowns continue, work on many of the SDGs must adapt to fit the current situation. He discussed a consortium-led approach to USR, which would define, localise and diversify social responsibilities. Prof. Rao also shared the steps that the University of Hyderabad has taken to promote USR in Telangana and beyond.
While bringing in the industry perspective, Tara explained that USR is not confined to the higher education sector alone; it involves all stakeholders (academia, industry, government and policy makers, students, and NGOs) and requires a different kind of commitment, mindset, and action. USR puts collaboration, communication, equity, dignity and empathy at its forefront, creating an environment that aspires to leave no one behind. It is crucial for industry to support this initiative, which could effectively link corporate social responsibility and USR.
As a means of consolidating the USR ethos, and with a view to including new participants, two webinars on the theme of USR in India and beyond (including one focusing on COVID-19) are being prepared for September 2020. UKIBC in association with its USR partners will invite inputs and case studies from additional exponents of USR in the lead up to September.
Plans are also well underway for a high-level USR policy dialogue to be held in Delhi in November 2020 during the FICCI HE summit (Covid restrictions permitting). Together with the September webinars, this event will enable the UKIBC to further progress it’s wider Socioeconomic Impact priorities.
Many thanks to Dr. Rycroft and Prof. Rao for sharing their expert insights on USR, and for releasing the USR Guidebook. For more information on the USR Guidebook and its relevance to the higher education sector, as well as for further guidance on the upcoming USR events, please email Tara Panjwani at Tara.Panjwani@ukibc.com.
