November 18, 2024
HEC Montréal is excited to announce its new membership in the prestigious Academics Without Borders (AWB) Network, a consortium dedicated to supporting global development through collaborations among Canadian post-secondary institutions. This exciting partnership aligns with HEC Montréal’s commitment to social responsibility and international education.
Through this membership, faculty and staff at HEC Montréal will gain privileged access to a wealth of partnership opportunities facilitated by AWB, which has established robust relationships with educational institutions and organizations across the globe. Additionally, faculty members will have the unique opportunity to propose innovative projects to AWB in collaboration with their counterparts in developing countries, fostering meaningful educational exchanges and impactful initiatives.
This membership is poised to enhance HEC Montréal’s reputation for excellence in international efforts while providing valuable resources to support and effectively coordinate these initiatives. By focusing on building capacity at post-secondary institutions throughout the developing world, HEC Montréal and AWB are committed to transforming lives, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development both locally and internationally.
About Academics Without Borders
Academics Without Borders is a Canadian nonprofit organization that works collaboratively with universities in some of the most disadvantaged regions, aiming to strengthen their capacity to educate the professionals and leaders crucial for developing resilient societies. AWB coordinates impactful projects with volunteer professionals and academics, directly addressing the urgent educational needs of their partner communities, thereby contributing to a brighter future for all.
**Interview with Dr. Marie Laurent, Dean of HEC Montréal**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Laurent. HEC Montréal has recently joined the Academics Without Borders Network. Can you tell us what prompted this exciting partnership?
**Dr. Laurent:** We’re thrilled to be part of such a meaningful initiative. The partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of social responsibility and allows us to engage with global communities in innovative ways. Collaborating with AWB opens doors for our faculty and staff to create impactful projects that address pressing educational needs in developing countries.
**Editor:** This membership seems to promise a lot in terms of collaboration and resource sharing. How do you envision this benefiting not just HEC Montréal, but also the educational institutions in developing regions?
**Dr. Laurent:** By sharing knowledge and resources, we can help strengthen post-secondary institutions in disadvantaged areas. This collaboration will empower local educators, enhancing their ability to train future leaders and professionals. Ultimately, we believe this can create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.
**Editor:** It sounds like a noble effort. However, some people might question whether Canadian institutions should prioritize local educational needs over international collaborations. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Laurent:** That’s a valid point, and I believe it invites a necessary debate. While local needs are indeed crucial, we live in an interconnected world where education knows no borders. Supporting global development can, in fact, enrich our local education systems by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the forefront. It’s about finding balance and fostering mutual growth.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Lastly, for our readers, what do you think – should institutions prioritize global collaborations like this, or focus their resources on local challenges first?
**Dr. Laurent:** I’d love to hear what your readers think. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and engaging in this dialogue is key to finding the right path forward for both local and global education.
