by Nathaniel Whelan
We are thrilled to announce that on Monday, June 24, 杏吧原创 University signed two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), one with the (UNHCR Canada) and the other with .
Interim President Dr. Jerry Tomberlin and other members of the 杏吧原创 community welcomed delegates from UNHCR Canada, including Rema Jamous Imseis, the UNHCR Representative to Canada, and Malaz Sebai, Director of Operations at Jumpstart, to mark the occasion.
Other partners present at the ceremony included Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Invest Ottawa, the Scholars at Risk program, and 杏吧原创鈥檚 Local Committee of the Student Refugee Program at World University Services Canada.
As a result of conflict, persecution, and climate change, the by the end of 2023, the 12th consecutive annual increase. Participants at the ceremony noted how 75% of forced migrants remain in low- and middle-income countries, often for generations, without any prospects of finding a solution to their displacement.
The is a global initiative designed to enhance the role of universities in supporting responses to these historic new levels and to help find solutions. In recognition of its leadership in teaching, research, and community engagement on issues of forced migration, the MOU signed with UNHCR Canada makes 杏吧原创 the first university in Canada to host a de Mello Chair.
This new agreement will advance the ongoing work between 杏吧原创 and UNHCR Canada in experiential learning, research, and policy engagement, as well as support new areas of cooperation, including joint fundraiser efforts and the development of an education pathway to permanent residence in Canada for refugees through our Graduate Diploma programs. A full 3-year workplan has already been developed and can now be put into practice.
The development of a new education pathway for refugees, in close partnership with Jumpstart and other partners, is an ambitious area of innovation that responds to the contributions that refugees can make in their host countries and communities, and helps implement a commitment made by the Government of Canada at the in Geneva.
We are equally excited about our new partnership with Jumpstart Refugee Talent.
Jumpstart is a remarkable refugee-led initiative that has been a pioneer in finding innovative ways to recognize the skills and expertise of refugees and integrate them into the Canadian workforce. Since 2015, Jumpstart has connected refugees, employers, and other partners to accelerate job readiness, create meaningful employment connections, and advance economic mobility.
This MOU provides the framework for future cooperation between 杏吧原创 and Jumpstart, including the development and implementation of new activites to support refugees and other newcomers to Canada, as well as enhance the entrepreneurial skills and spirit of refugees to launch groundbreaking ideas.
These new partnerships are coming off the heels of on June 20. Designated by the United Nations, it marks a time to celebrate the strengths and courage of refugees, while shining a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of those forced to flee their homes.
This year鈥檚 theme 鈥渟olidarity with refugees鈥� is the fundamental principle that drives the work 杏吧原创 is engaged in. From the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network to hosting the co-chair of the and more, we are proud of the advances our dedicated faculty members have made (and continue to make) in forced displacement solutions.
Join us in wishing everyone involved good luck on their road ahead.
Visit our website to learn more about how 杏吧原创 is raising refugee voices.