Abstract
Looking for windows of opportunity to mainstream disaster risk management within business education, in 2015, the United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction’s (UNISDR) Private Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (arise), partnered with Florida International University’s Extreme Events Institute (FIU-EEI) and 12 international leading business schools. This partnership began with a call for White Papers to propose innovative approaches to integrate cutting edge disaster management content into business education programs and other academic offerings, based on seven themes or niches identified: (1) Strategic Investment and Financial Decisions; (2) Generating Business Value; (3) Sustainable Management; (4) Business Ethics and Social Responsibility; (5) Business Continuity Planning; (6) Disaster Risk Metrics; and (7) Risk Transfer. In March 2016, an international workshop was held in Toronto, Canada to present the White Papers prepared by the business schools, and discuss the most appropriate approaches for addressing the areas of: teaching and curriculum; professional development and extension programs; internships and placement; research opportunities; and partnerships and collaboration. Finally, the group proposed goals for advancing the implementation phase of the business education initiatives, and to propose mechanisms for monitoring and follow-up.
Highlights
At the end of 2013, Florida International University’s Extreme Events Institute (FIUEEI) joined what is today the United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction’s (UNISDR) Private Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE), where FIU is leading the Activity Stream #4: State-of-the-Art Disaster Risk Management, Education, Training, and Outreach
In March 2016, an international workshop was held in Toronto, Canada to present the White Papers prepared by the business schools; discuss the most appropriate approaches for revising existing curricula; and propose new disaster risk management (DRM) courses for existing undergraduate, graduate, professional development, and extension programs
As noted above, creating demand and managing the supply of highly qualified and industry-ready DRM professionals is a major concern. This requires concerted and collaborative action by academic institutions, industry associations and policy makers. Raising awareness on the part of companies, public institutions, and individuals is the key to increasing the number of DRM professionals and the disaster resilience of companies. The opportunities/initiatives cited in this field are within our reach and challenges will most likely be overcome or reduced once initiatives are implemented
Summary
In 2015, UNISDR and ARISE, with support from the Federal Government of Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), partnered with FIU-EEI and 12 leading business schools to improve or introduce disaster risk management into the curricula of higher education and training services. This supports Priorities for Action I, III, and IV, as stated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-30. The project sought to develop training and outreach programs for small and medium enterprises, which may struggle to gain access to information, by engaging the support of larger experienced corporations, those working in public-private partnerships
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