Last week, representatives from eight countries came together to discuss how collaboration between the University and the international not-for-profit sector can contribute to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. Macquarie staff met with 18 PACE International partners to discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships and create change in many contexts across the world.

“Macquarie has delivered the PACE International Program in partnership with Australian Volunteers International for the past five years,” says Allison Simons, Associate Director, International Programs. “In 2016 we will take a much stronger leadership role to further deepen and develop partnerships with organisations internationally to better deliver sustainable outcomes for our students and partners.”

The week-long event gave partners the opportunity to broaden their relationship with the University and connect with academics and unit conveners to forge new relationships. “It also opened up new areas for collaboration, with some partners particularly excited to develop PACE activities in disciplines such as dance,” says Allison.

Allison explains the week has resulted in greater clarity of the strategic direction of the PACE International program and the role Macquarie plays in managing relationships with partners and designing new PACE activities.

“It’s events like this that lead to innovative and exciting new PACE activities for our students that will make significant contributions to helping our international partners drive long term social change in different parts of the world,” says Allison

A highlight of the week was the PACE T talk, ‘Global Social Change – How Universities Can Contribute’ which provided further opportunity for local and international partners to connect with each other.

“Our partners’ response to this very special session was incredibly positive, and we were all encouraged to believe many worthwhile opportunities exist for us to collaborate together to help build more resilient societies,” says Allison.