FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
University of St. Michael’s College and Umalia Collaborate on Brokering Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
TORONTO, Canada November 10 / – This week the Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability and Umalia are launching a “living learning laboratory” on multi-stakeholder partnerships. “This is a win-win collaboration,” says Kathryn Cooper, Program Manager. “Umalia is a leader in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships for social and environmental impact. Our students will be learning firsthand best practices while lending their expertise to the future sustainability of the project.”
Students from the 2020/21 Cohort of the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability will be studying the Climat’Eau project. This project, led by Umalia for the last three years, is a multi-stakeholder partnership in Benin, Africa involving local Beninese partners, the Sô-Ava municipal government and the Sô-Ava Collective of Civil Society Organizations, the Canadian company Technologies Ecofixe, and Université Laval. The purpose of the project has been to build resilience of populations against the effects of climate change in Benin.
“The students at the University of St. Michael’s College will be examining five aspects of the project and making recommendations to contribute to the reflection of the long-term sustainability of this partnership,” says Lucie Bourgeois, President and Founder of Umalia. “Our project team is looking forward to receiving an external perspective on this important project.”
The Benin project began in 2017 and is funded in part by the Government of Quebec under the International Climate Cooperation Program. In 2013 Umalia committed itself to the community of Sô-Ava in southern Benin, together with the local municipal government and the Collective of Civil Society Organizations (COSC) for a period of ten years. Umalia’s objective was to use its experience and expertise to support the community in its development efforts, to build resilience to climate change, to build value-creating partnerships with the private sector and to establish responsible and sustainable collaborative governance.
“The Team at Umalia live their values,” says Kathryn Cooper. “Each Member has committed to volunteer their time to advance this project. Their passion for ‘making a difference’ through multi-stakeholder partnerships is inspiring. I hope our students come away from this experience with the skills and enthusiasm to put these types of partnerships to work in their sectors, for social and environmental good.”
About Umalia
Umalia Inc. is a consulting firm founded on the strong belief that profit and societal engagement can and must go hand in hand. Therefore, Umalia helps organizations to design, implement and activate strategies and ecosystems to create sustainable value for both organizations and society.
About the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Thirty-five participants are accepted annually to St. Michael’s program, which attracts students from across Canada and around the world. This “work as you learn” program enables participants to take their career in Social Responsibility and Sustainability to the next level. Participants tackle and resolve a Sustainability/ESG challenge in their company in a major Action Project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners; learn from global thought leaders; experience practical “real world” change management through the ExperienceChange™ Simulation and join a prestigious community of St. Michael’s Alumni in continuing education, sharing and networking. Graduates receive the post nominal letters G.Dipl.SR&S.
The Diploma is now taking applications for 2021/2022. Only 35 applicants are accepted. To apply, go to the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability Website. First Intake Deadline is April 30, 2021.
About the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto
The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) is a Catholic institution of higher learning federated with the University of Toronto. USMC strives to offer students a transformative educational experience in a diverse and engaged community, encouraging and supporting students and graduates to share their gifts in the cause of the greater good.
A Business Advisory Committee ensures the Diploma program is relevant and experiential. Sustainability/ESG Leaders representing a broad range of business sectors provide advice and input.
For More Information Contact
Kathryn A. Cooper, Program Manager, Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Phone: (519) 855-9491
Website: https://www.csr-stmikes.ca/
Delphine Orfila, Consultant, Societal Engagement, Umalia
Phone: (438) 725-0518
Email: Dorfila@umalia.ca
Website: www.umalia.ca