Published:
Heriot-Watt University's Business School unveiled today a partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation.
HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, accompanied by John May, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, met with Heriot-Watt students and staff and toured the University's cutting-edge engineering and architecture departments and the School of Textiles and Design.
During the visit, Prince Edward spoke about the Award programme and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.
This partnership will enable the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award leaders to gain invaluable business insight and skills, which will help as many young people as possible to have access to great non-formal education, such as The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
To mark the occasion, the University's Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard A. Williams and Secretary General John May signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foundation and Edinburgh Business School (EBS), the graduate school of business at Heriot-Watt. The memorandum recognises a commitment from both organisations to promoting the development and education of young people globally.
Professor Richard A. Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome HRH The Prince Edward Earl of Wessex and John May, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, to Heriot-Watt University in Dubai and we are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the remarkable achievements of our students and staff.
“We are a global University, with campuses in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia, and we invite students from all over the world to join our global family. Today, we reaffirmed our commitment to provide education opportunities for people, regardless of their background, culture or physical ability, and we are proud to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation to deliver this promise.”
John May, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation is delighted to partner with the Edinburgh Business School in Heriot-Watt University to add a world-class Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme to the Award family.
“This partnership will enable the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award leaders to gain invaluable business insight and skills, which will help as many young people as possible to have access to great non-formal education, such as The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
“The opportunity to undertake an MBA from such a prestigious university will provide our leaders with the skills to make a lasting difference and positive impact on the Award's delivery.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Edinburgh Business School, as together we endeavour to help young people develop the skills needed to become responsible and active citizens - in their communities and beyond.”
Prince Edward's visit coincided with his attendance at the annual Global Education & Skills Forum, which brings together world leaders from the public, private and social sectors, to achieve ongoing goals in education.