UTS Business School statement on Ukraine

As a part of a diverse, global community of academics, students, professional staff and alumni, we recognise that this is a very distressing time for many here in Australia, in Ukraine, and neighbouring countries, who have friends, family and colleagues affected by this unlawful attack on Ukrainian peace and sovereignty.

Our thoughts are with the many Ukrainians affected by these acts of violence. We also express our support for our colleagues in the Russian community who have bravely spoken out against their government’s aggression.

As a university, we are communicating with staff and students from the region and offering support and assistance through a range of means for those affected.

As a socially-committed Business School focused on how business and organisations can contribute to the public good, we also call on the business community to consider what contributions they can make to alleviate this growing humanitarian crisis.

In today’s global economy businesses have both the opportunity and responsibility to take action in response to the aggressive and unlawful invasion of Ukraine,” says Professor Carl Rhodes, Dean of UTS Business School.

“For companies that talk of public purpose and shareholder value, now is the time to take real action that goes beyond protecting corporate financial interests and brand value. The war is a human rights disaster. Innocent civilians, including children, are being killed and maimed.”

Many individuals and organisations are already taking action to support affected communities, says UTS Finance Professor Talis Putnins.

There are practical steps that business can consider, Professor Putnins says, such as withdrawing business operations from Russia and/or suspending trade with Russia, boycotting Russian products, supporting humanitarian aid, and of course, supporting affected employees.

“Broader and harsher economic sanctions come with costs – costs to the countries and companies imposing the sanctions. Many sanctions also come with collateral damage, including to the Russian people irrespective of whether they support or oppose Putin’s actions,” Professor Putnins says.

“Many of them are also victims in this war. But the cost of inaction is much graver.”

UTS Economics Associate Professor Olena Stavrunova, says the support of individuals, organisations and governments cannot be underestimated.

“Humanitarian catastrophes are unfolding in besieged Ukrainian cities that have limited access to food, water or electricity. Hundreds of civilians have died, and millions of people have been displaced,” says Associate Professor Olena Stavrunova.

“Ukrainians living in Australia and Australians with ties to Ukraine have also been impacted, including our colleagues and students here at UTS. The toll of war on the mental health of these people is enormous as they watch their relatives, friends and countrymen in Ukraine being bombed, displaced, injured, or losing lives.

“The world has shown strong support to Ukraine, with governments, businesses, NGOs, communities and individuals contributing to humanitarian relief. These efforts should continue – the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis is likely to escalate and every dollar of aid will be valuable.”

Resources

There are a number of useful resources available to help individuals and businesses provide effective and responsible humanitarian support for affected communities.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has provided the following advice:

• To ensure your donation makes an impact, please choose a reputable charity that is involved in the humanitarian response and relief effort. You can check this via the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Ukraine appeal website. 
• For individuals wanting to support the United Nations Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, their website has more information and is accepting donations. For business interested in supporting the humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis, refer to the United Nations Business Guide.
• For more information on how to donate responsibly, visit donateresponsibly.org.

For students and scholars

The university is contacting students from the region and putting measures in place to promote their welfare, including counselling services.

We also encourage any Business students needing assistance to reach out to the Business School directly via business@uts.edu.au.

UTS is also a member of the Scholars at Risk Network, a global network of higher education institutions who provide a range of support services for threatened scholars.