Students and researchers from the University of Winchester are taking part in a virtual cultural exchange programme with Amity University in New Delhi, northern India, launching this month.
Around 30 undergraduate students from each institution studying on business management courses are partners in the project, which aims to enhance understanding of the ongoing challenges and issues around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) each country faces.
The exchange - which is taking place online because of the global coronavirus pandemic - will help students understand and appreciate how different philosophical positions influence and inspire action for SDGs. The emphasis is on comparing and contrasting the UK and India through a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, seminars and discussions in January and February.
Business strategies, economics, diverse cultural traditions, values, personal relationships and family life will all form part of the comparisons and discussions.
Project leader for the University of Winchester, Dr Simon Smith, who is a senior lecturer in leadership and management in the Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies, said: "Working with Amity University will provide a dynamic way to engage in discussions around the Sustainable Development Goals.
"The interaction between staff and students from both Winchester and Amity will provide a unique platform to integrate cultural learning during these tough times where travel is usually restricted to the virtual format. We can continue to be recognised as leaders within the SDGs domain and bring new partners together, potentially leading to greater impact on these crucial sustainable development agendas."
Dr Smith worked with colleagues Dr Karen Cripps and Dr Duncan Connors to finalise Winchester's parts of the programme.
Dr Anupama Rajesh, Amity University, said: "The relationship between the University of Winchester and Amity University is an exciting one."
The exchange is funded by a grant from the United Kingdom India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) Mobility Programme: Study in India, which is delivered by the British Council in India, Universities UK International and the University Grants Commission in India on behalf of the UK and India governments.
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